No, really…why do they enjoy biting us so much?
Like miniature flying Draculas, mosquitoes bite us because they need our blood. Gross, isn’t it? Mosquito bites are the itchy bumps that appear after mosquitoes use their mouthparts to puncture your skin and feed on your blood. The bump usually clears up on its own in a few days.
Mosquitoes bite us for our blood.
Occasionally, a mosquito bite causes a large area of swelling, soreness and redness. This type of reaction, most common in children, is sometimes referred to as skeeter syndrome. And, unfortunately some people are seriously allergic to mosquito bites.
Why are mosquito bites dangerous?
Bites from mosquitoes carrying certain viruses or parasites can cause severe illness. Infected mosquitoes in many parts of the world transmit West Nile virus to humans. Other mosquito-borne infections include Yellow Fever, Malaria and some types of brain infection known as Encephalitis.
Why are mosquito bites dangerous?
What happens after a mosquitoes bite me?
Mosquito bite signs often include:
- A puffy, white and reddish bump that appears a few minutes after the bite
- A hard, itchy, reddish-brown bump, or multiple bumps, appearing a day or so after the bite or bites
- Small blisters instead of hard bumps
- Dark spots that look like bruises
More-severe reactions may be experienced by children, adults not previously exposed to the type of mosquito that bit them, and people with immune system disorders.
In these people, mosquito bites sometimes trigger:
- A large area of swelling and redness
- Low-grade fever
- Hives
- Swollen lymph nodes
How can I avoid mosquito bites?
There are two ways to avoid getting bitten by a mosquito:
- Stay indoors forever, from April through October – but honestly, mosquitoes might come inside to get you!
- Call on the professionals for effective Pawtucket mosquito control.
The choice is yours.