What Are Mosquito Bite Symptoms and Treatments?

There are few insects as dreaded as mosquitoes. These pesky bugs belong to the fly family, and they're visible to the naked eye. They don't live very long. Males live for about a week, and females can live for up to a few months. Regardless, in their short lives, mosquitoes breed prolifically and create misery for humans and their pets.

Besides making people and pets physically uncomfortable, mosquitoes carry diseases. Because of this, mosquitos are more than annoying; they can be deadly.

Diseases Carried by Mosquitoes

In the Western world, we tend to think of mosquitoes as just being annoying. But the fact is, mosquitoes are dangerous, and they carry the following diseases:

• West Nile virus
• Malaria
• Dengue Fever
• Vitus that cause encephalitis
• Yellow Fever

In addition to these diseases, mosquitoes also carry parasites and bacteria in their saliva. When one of these nasty bugs bites you, they transmit these pathogens directly into your body, often causing life-threatening and severe illnesses.

The World Health Organization reports that in 2015, there were more than 200 million cases of malaria, mainly transmitted by mosquitos. Because of this, the mosquito is one of the deadliest animals on the planet.

Mosquito Bite Symptoms

If you've been bitten by a mosquito, the first thing you'll notice is that a puffy round bump will begin to form. Some mosquito bites have a tiny dot at the center, and soon, the bump will come hard and red. You can also expect some swelling.

It's unusual to get just one mosquito bite at once. Typically, if one mosquito bites you, others will follow.

For people with impaired immune systems, severe reactions can result. You may experience large patches of redness and swelling, hives, and even swollen lymph nodes. In most cases, children will have a stronger reaction than most adults.

When a mosquito pierces your skin, you may feel a stinging sensation. After that, the bite will start to itch. Generally, mosquito bite reactions are mild and will disappear within a few days. In rare cases, people can experience headaches, body aches, and fever.

How to Get Rid of Mosquito Bites Itching

Maybe you're wondering how to get rid of mosquito bites. Unfortunately, once you've got a mosquito bite, there is no getting rid of it. However, you can learn how to get rid of mosquito bites itching. What you can do is treat the symptoms so that you can get some much-needed relief from the itching and swelling.

When a mosquito first bites you, wash the affected area with warm water and soap. Then, apply an ice pack to the skin, which will provide itching relief. You can buy topical anti-itch medications at your local pharmacy.

Mosquito Bite Treatment

Here's a list of things you can do for mosquito bite treatment to relieve itching and discomfort:

• Wash the Affected Area: Gently clean the mosquito bite with soap and water to reduce the risk of infection.
• Apply Cold Compress: Place a cold compress or ice pack wrapped in a clean cloth on the bite for 10-15 minutes to reduce swelling and numb the area.
• Over-the-Counter (OTC) Anti-Itch Cream: Apply an OTC anti-itch cream or ointment containing ingredients like hydrocortisone or calamine lotion to relieve itching. Follow the product's instructions.
• Antihistamines: Take an oral antihistamine to reduce itching and inflammation. Follow the recommended dosage on the label.
• Topical Anesthetics: Some topical anesthetics, like benzocaine or lidocaine, can temporarily relieve itching. Apply as directed.
• Natural Remedies: Consider natural remedies such as aloe vera gel, tea tree oil, or witch hazel, which may have soothing properties. Apply them sparingly to the bite.
• Oatmeal Bath: An oatmeal bath can help soothe multiple mosquito bites. Add finely ground oatmeal to a lukewarm bath and soak for 15-20 minutes.
• Avoid Scratching: As tempting as it may be, avoid scratching the mosquito bite. Scratching can lead to infection and worsen the itching.
• Keep the Area Clean: Maintain good hygiene to prevent infection. Clean the bite area daily and keep it dry.
• Cover with a Bandage: If the bite is particularly bothersome, covering it with a bandage can help prevent scratching and provide protection.
• Elevate the Affected Limb: Elevating the bite on a limb can help reduce swelling.
• Avoid Allergenic Fabrics: Wear loose-fitting, breathable clothing made of natural fibers to reduce irritation.
• Mosquito Nets: Use mosquito nets or screens on windows and doors to prevent future bites, especially while sleeping.
• Insect Repellent: Use insect repellent on exposed skin outdoors, especially during mosquito-active times.
• Eliminate Standing Water: Reduce mosquito breeding sites by eliminating standing water around your home, as mosquitoes lay eggs in stagnant water.
  ‍

If the bite becomes infected (signs include increased redness, warmth, pus, or worsening pain), or if you experience an allergic reaction, seek medical attention immediately.

How to Prevent Mosquito Bites

It's impossible to prevent mosquito bites completely, but you can lower the risks in your living area, thereby reducing your family members' chances of getting bitten by mosquitoes.

Remember that mosquitoes need water to breed. Follow these tips to reduce the mosquito population where you live.

• Make sure there's no standing water in your yard or near your home.
• If you have outdoor water sources near your house, such as ponds, treat them with special products designed to kill mosquitoes.
• Walk around your property and empty any vessel that can hold stagnant water.
• If you have birdbaths, change the water once a week.
• Empty small wading pools like kiddie pools when they're not being used.
• Keep your law well-trimmed.
• Ensure that any window you open has screens to keep out mosquitoes and other pests.
• When you're walking outside in a grassy or wooded area, wear pants and long sleeves.
• Use safe insect repellents when you're at increased risk of being bitten by mosquitoes.

Extra Precautions Against Mosquito Bites

When it comes to making sure you don't contract a mosquito-borne illness, ensure that your vaccinations are current before traveling to foreign countries. Also, your doctor can prescribe oral medications that will help prevent malaria and other mosquito-borne illnesses.

For help solving your mosquito problem, contact Zunex Pest Control for a free quote. We have service applications that can target mosquito-harboring sites on your property. Our treatments of frequent applications and inspections will work to eliminate mosquitoes around your home.

‍