June to August is prime mosquito season, and that means itchy, annoying bites. On top of those itchy bites, mosquitoes are also responsible for spreading diseases such as malaria, dengue fever, encephalitis, West Nile virus, and the Zika virus.
Below you will read some key mosquito bite information, with facts and tips about mosquito bites as well as some of the mosquito species found in the U.S. and common mosquito-borne diseases associated with these species. Explore the sections below to learn more:
Did you know that only female mosquitoes bite? Males rely on flower nectar for food, but females require blood to develop eggs. Our blood is rich in protein and other compounds that female mosquitoes need to help produce and develop their eggs. When a mosquito bites, it uses its needle-like mouthparts to pierce the skin and inject saliva, which keeps blood from clotting. This allows the mosquito to feed long enough to get the proteins it needs for egg production.
Read our blog on why mosquitoes bite to learn more.
Female mosquitoes don’t stop after one bite; they’ll continue feeding until they’ve taken in enough blood. If interrupted, they’ll quickly seek out another host to finish their meal and get the nutrients needed for egg production.
Once full, they rest for a few days to digest the blood before laying eggs and beginning the process again.
Like most insect bites, mosquito bites come in the form of swollen, red bumps. However, this can vary as different people react to mosquito bites in different ways.
Even though mosquito bites share some similarities in their appearance with other insect bites, there are some differences that can help you identify them. Mosquito bites can appear anywhere on your body, particularly in areas where the skin is exposed, such as arms and legs.
It can be difficult to tell the difference between mosquito bites and other insect bites. However, there are some key differences that might give you a clue as to whether you have been bitten by a mosquito.
Mosquito bites are itchy because your body is having a very mild allergic reaction to the mosquito’s saliva. When bitten, your body treats the saliva as a foreign substance and histamines are released, causing swelling, redness, and that familiar itch.
For most people, mosquito bites cause a minor allergic reaction, and it doesn’t go past these symptoms. However, some people can suffer from severe allergic reactions to mosquito bites. In these cases, we recommend that you visit your doctor for treatment.
Of course, once the bite starts itching, the first thing you want to do is scratch until it feels better. Unfortunately, that’s the last thing you should do; scratching a mosquito bite can make things worse. Below are two reasons why you shouldn’t itch.
Mosquitoes can transmit diseases when they bite. They carry pathogens from one host to another through their saliva while feeding. While a bite is irritating, the bigger concern is the disease risk.
Mosquitoes spread several viruses, including West Nile, Zika, dengue, yellow fever, and malaria. West Nile virus is the most reported mosquito-borne illness in the United States. However, travelers can also bring back other diseases from abroad after being bitten.
Not every mosquito bite causes infection. However, since they can spread serious illnesses, taking precautions is important. Find out more about mosquitoes carrying diseases.
There are more than 180 mosquito species in North America. Below you will find three species commonly associated with disease spread.
(Culex pipiens) Found throughout the U.S., this mosquito is known for spreading West Nile virus and encephalitis.
(Aedes aegypti) Found in the southern United States, this species is a carrier of yellow fever, Zika virus, and dengue fever.
(Aedes albopictus) Found in more than forty U.S. states, this species spreads chikungunya, dengue, and Zika virus.
Mosquito bites can be more than just annoying and itchy. They can spread viruses that can cause serious illness in humans including:
Pets can also be affected. The parasite that causes heartworm in dogs is spread through mosquito bites. Horses can also be at risk for mosquito-borne illnesses.
Of course, the best way to treat mosquito bites is not to get bitten at all. Our technicians can provide targeted mosquito control services to help protect your property and reduce the risk of disease. Call 866-492-1947 or use our online contact form to schedule an appointment.
Mosquito bites are small, itchy bumps that appear on the skin after a mosquito pierces it to feed on blood. The bite reaction happens because of the mosquito’s saliva, which triggers the body’s immune response and can cause redness, swelling, and itching.
Female mosquitoes bite humans to get the proteins in blood needed for egg production. Without this meal, they cannot develop their eggs.
No, only female mosquitoes bite. Males survive by feeding on nectar from flowers.
Yes, their saliva contains compounds that act as a mild anesthetic. This helps them feed without you feeling the bite right away.
Mosquitoes can bite through thin or tight clothing, but thicker and baggier clothing could help to protect you. Covering exposed skin is one way to reduce bites.
They are most common from June to August, especially at dawn and dusk when mosquitoes are most active. Warm, humid environments also increase mosquito activity.
Yes, if scratched, bacteria can enter the bite and cause infection. Keeping the bite clean lowers this risk.
You can have an allergic reaction to a mosquito bite. Most reactions are mild, but some may have stronger allergic responses. Always seek medical advice if you are concerned about a bite.
While it can be difficult to tell one insect bite from another, mosquito bites usually appear as red, swollen bumps on exposed skin that itch shortly after the bite. They often show up on arms, legs, or other uncovered areas.
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