Female mosquitoes bite people and animals to obtain a blood meal. Most female mosquitoes cannot produce eggs without a blood meal. Male mosquitoes do not bite people and animals.
Instead of letting mosquitoes spoil any summer plans this year, read this article to the end.
Article sourced from Wikipedia [S], National Geographic [S], US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (Governmental) [S], US Environmental Production Agency [S], and Orkin's Pest Control Services [S].
What is the definition of mosquitoes?
There are more than 3,000 species of mosquitoes in the world, and it is the public's number one enemy in the fight against global infectious diseases.
Mosquito-borne diseases cause millions of deaths worldwide each year with a disproportionate impact on children and the elderly in developing countries.
Mosquitoes are one of the most annoying summer pests. When a mosquito bites you, it uses the protein in your blood to produce more eggs. These red, itchy bumps are the immune system's response to mosquito saliva.
The genus of mosquitoes Culex. This genus of mosquitoes (sometimes referred to as the common domestic mosquito) includes several species capable of transmitting diseases such as West Nile virus and Japanese encephalitis.
What are the symptoms of mosquito infestation?
Some common symptoms of a mosquito bite include:
- A red, swollen bump on the skin that is itchy
- Local swelling, pain and itching
- Redness around the bump
- Small blisters instead of hard bumps
Most people have a slight reaction to a mosquito bite, but for some, the reaction may be more severe.
Skeeter syndrome (papularurticaria) is a local allergic reaction to mosquito bites, consisting of inflammation and sometimes fever. It is caused by an allergen to mosquito saliva, so it is not contagious.
If you begin to have a headache, fever, body aches, nausea, chills, or trouble breathing, be sure to contact a medical professional immediately.
What is the treatment for mosquito bites?
Mosquitoes are known for causing red, itchy patches on your body from their bite. There are some things you can do to help relieve mosquito bite symptoms:
- Clean the bite site with soap and water to prevent infections
- Apply ice to temporarily relieve swelling and itching
- A mixture of baking soda and water can be applied, which can help reduce the itch response.
- Apply over-the-counter ointments and creams directly to the sting.
- If you experience headaches, fever, or body aches, be sure to contact a medical professional immediately.
The most important thing to remember when it comes to getting rid of a mosquito bite is "Don't rub it! Scratching the sting site only triggers the venom and increases the histamine response."
Excessive rubbing can also cause cracks in the skin that can leave room for infection.
Most people have a mild reaction to a mosquito bite, but for some, the reaction can be severe. If you begin to feel nauseated, chills, or have difficulty breathing, it is important to contact a medical professional immediately.
How to get rid of mosquitoes
Mosquito treatment is usually an integrated effort that includes source reduction as well as the use of chemical control products when needed.
Mosquito control in the home begins with:
1. Remove stagnant water areas
Mosquitoes lay their eggs in the water where the larvae develop, so it is important to empty containers such as empty tires, flower pots, bathroom covers, and baby showers. Water in bird cages should be changed regularly as well.
2. Mosquito activity
Mosquitoes are active in the summer. Most types of mosquitoes are active at night time, so be careful at night. Take precautions inside.
3. Use a fan or air conditioner
A small fan may also reduce mosquitoes, as they are not strong flyers. Use the air conditioner when possible.
4. Use insect repellent
Wearing insect repellent with at least 20% DEET is the best way to prevent mosquito bites on the body.
Use an insecticide indoors where mosquitoes are infested. Insect spray or indoor insecticide will kill mosquitoes and treat areas where they rest.
5. Dispose or disinfect anything filled with water
Since mosquitoes only need a bottle of water to reproduce, a good preventative measure is to dispose of or disinfect any flower pots, fabrics, or anything filled with water.
6. Prevent mosquitoes from entering the house
To keep mosquitoes out of the home, check all windows and doors and fix any existing tears. Do not leave windows and doors open at sunset, if you have blinds for doors and windows, you can use them.
7. Avoid odors
Try to avoid wearing sweet-smelling perfumes, colognes and dark colours, and limit the time you spend outside or indoors at night and at dawn when mosquitoes are most active at those times.
8. Disinfect the places of mosquito eggs
Mosquitoes rest in dark, damp places such as under sinks, in bathrooms, in closets, under furniture, or in the laundry room. Mosquitoes that enter your home from outside can start laying eggs inside.
9. Using a mosquito net
You can put a mosquito net where you sit or on the bed to prevent mosquitoes from reaching you.