Mosquitoes are a pest that very few people are going to have anything good to say about. These flying insects have a horrible reputation and are despised by most residents in South Carolina. It’s not hard to see why. Mosquitoes can bite both human and animal hosts, and these bites leave behind itchy, annoying marks.
However, it’s only the females of the species that drink blood. This is because they need the protein to lay their eggs. The male mosquitoes only consume nectar. You wouldn’t be able to tell just at first glance which is which. But, upon closer inspection, you can tell them apart by looking at their antennae. Male mosquitoes have feathery-looking antennae while the females do not.
Both male and female mosquitoes have thin, long bodies and legs, and they also have a needle-like appendage from their faces known as a proboscis. This is what they use for drinking both blood and nectar. They are usually a gray color, but they can have a variety of markings.
Because mosquito bites are something most people deal with at one point or another, this guide will help you find relief from those itchy bumps.
Why Do Mosquitoes Bite Itch?
When thinking of a bug bite, most species that can bite will use their mouths to enclose around something, such as a bit of skin. However, mosquito bites work a little differently. When the proboscis of a female mosquito pierces the skin, she injects her saliva into your skin while feeding on you.
This saliva is why mosquito bites are especially itchy. Most people are allergic to it, which causes a bump to form and that itchy sensation to crop up. This also explains why some people have worse reactions than others. People whose bodies react to the allergen more severely will have more itchiness and are likely to have more swelling and redness around the bite, too.
What Can You Use For Mosquito Bite Relief?
After you’ve been bitten, the first thing you should do is wash the area with soap and water to remove bacteria and keep the area clean. Then, you can try using cool compresses on the site to reduce swelling and get rid of some of the urge to scratch.
If the mosquito bite is especially upsetting and hard not to itch, the best thing to do is seek out over-the-counter antihistamines and pain relievers as well as topical anti-itch creams. There are many different brands and options. Some are specifically made and marketed to help with mosquito bites, while others are more generally used to stop itching.
Of course, if you have any questions or notice an abundance of swelling or any other symptoms, it’s important to seek help from your doctor. While it’s not that common, mosquitoes in the area can cause the spread of diseases, so it’s essential to look out for other side effects, including headaches, fever, and chills following bites. If you do have any of these more concerning symptoms, don’t hesitate to get medical attention.
How Can You Remove Mosquitoes From Your Property?
If you’re noticing mosquitoes around your property, the best way to reduce their numbers is with assistance from the experts at The Original Bugman Pest Elimination, Inc.
We have over 35 years of experience, and we can provide mosquito control to both residential and commercial properties in South Carolina. Don’t hesitate to contact us as mosquitoes can be both annoying and potentially dangerous. Plus, we even offer free inspections, so it’s simple to get started.
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