Summer is here and with it so are the mosquitoes! When a mosquito bites you it uses the protein from your blood to grow more eggs. The red itchy lumps they leave behind are your bodies immune response to the mosquitoes saliva. So, don’t let mosquitoes ruin your summer read our guide below on how to stop mosquito bites from itching.
Common Symptoms of Mosquito Bites:
- Red itchy lump
- Localised swelling, itching and pain
- Redness around the lump
- Most only have a minor reaction to mosquito bites however for some it can be more severe
- “Skeeter syndrome” (papular urticaria) is a localized allergic reaction to mosquito bites, consisting of inflammation and sometimes fever. It is caused by allergenic polypeptides in mosquito saliva, so it is not contagious.
Mosquito Bite Treatment
Like any other injury you should always start by cleaning the area of the mosquito bite, just soap and water will do the job, this just helps prevent infection. Once clean you can use ice to bring the swelling down and even get some relief from the itching. You can get over the counter ointments to apply to a mosquito bit that will also help reduce the itching. The most important thing to remember when you get a mosquito bit is to not scratch it. Scratching a mosquito bite aggravates the venom and increases your bodies histamine response. Also by scratching too much you can cause the skin to break inviting more opportunity for infection.
Anti-histamines and anti-inflammatory can also help relive they symptoms of a mosquito bite and help get rid of it faster.
How To Prevent Mosquito Bites?
Mosquito bites, although irritating are harmless, nether the less in rare cases infected mosquitos can transfer serious diseases such as West Nile Virus which is why it is a good idea to do as much as you can to protect yourself from bites this summer.
By applying an insect repellent that contains at least 20% DEET is the best way you can prevent mosquito bites, also removing any areas of standing water from around your property as this is the ideal breading ground for mosquitos. Believe it or not mosquitos only need a bottle cap worth of water to successfully breed, a good preventative measure would be to empty any kids toys that have filled with water, swimming pools should either be covered or emptied, empty flowerpots should be removed and anything else that may gather water should be emptied and if not in use removed. In order to keep mosquitoes out of your home fly screens work best, by installing flyscreens on windows and doors you can leave them open without worrying about mosquitoes or any other insect entering your home on hot summer days, if you have existing screens then ensure that any rips and tears are repaired before use.
Try to avoid wearing sweet-smelling perfumes, aftershaves, and dark coloured clothing, and try to reduce your time spent outside during dusk and dawn as mosquitoes are most active at those times.
If you continue to have problems with mosquitoes around your property, then you should contact your local pest controller.
If you need mosquito control in Bristol, then contact Advance Pest Control Bristol today – 07771503107