With summer quickly approaching, mosquito populations are on the rise. Mosquitos are one of the most annoying pests that we have to deal with, as they’re constantly biting and causing itchy, red bumps on the skin. While most mosquito bites are harmless other than the itching sensation they cause, diseased mosquitoes can spread West Nile virus, Zika virus, eastern equine encephalitis, and other illnesses when they bite. In this article, we’ll go over the reasons why mosquitoes bite and why those bites are so itchy!
Why Do Mosquitoes Bite?
Mosquitoes bite and suck the blood of humans and other mammals so that they can use the protein to nourish their eggs. One fact that many people do not realize is that only female mosquitoes bite, while male mosquitoes only consume plant nectar! Mosquitoes are attracted to people because of our body odor, heat, and the carbon dioxide we exhale. Some scientists believe that certain people are more likely to be bitten by mosquitoes than others because they produce a higher concentration of chemicals that attract these insects.
Why Mosquito Bites Are Itchy
Mosquitoes use their long, straw-like mouths to puncture the skin and suck out a small amount of blood. When they do this, the mosquito leaves behind some of its own saliva that contains proteins and an anticoagulant used to prevent blood clots in the insect’s mouth. The proteins in the saliva that the mosquito leaves behind in your skin cause histamines to be released in your body, leading to inflammation and itchiness. The amount of histamine that your body releases will determine how much the mosquito bite will itch and irritate you. Some people will become extremely itchy from these bites, while others will feel almost nothing at all. When you’re constantly exposed to mosquito bites in the same town or area of the world, your body may develop a tolerance to the proteins in the mosquito saliva, lowering your immune system’s response and making them less irritating over time. Scratching mosquito bites can make the itching sensation worse by increasing the inflammation, so it’s best to avoid doing this.
Contact Pied Piper Pest Control!
If you’re experiencing a mosquito or insect problem on your property in the Greater New Orleans area, Pied Piper Pest Control is here to help! Our licensed pest control experts have years of experience dealing with a wide variety of pests throughout the New Orleans area! Contact us today at (504) 366-1333 or fill out the contact form on our website!