Mosquito Bites: What Everyone In Murrieta Ought To Know
While Murrieta tends to be a dry climate, we still get a few muggy weeks in the summer, and the mosquitoes seem to bite everyone and everything in sight. Mosquitoes are often a nuisance more than anything, but there are a few serious risks that mosquito bites pose, such as the possible transmission of mosquito-borne diseases.
Murrieta pest control services become an essential part of prevention and control as mosquito season ramps up. Below, we've compiled a handy guide on everything you need to know about what happens when a mosquito bites you and the potential dangers to look for. You'll also learn why mosquitoes may like you more than your neighbor.
What Happens When A Mosquito Bites You
The commonly used term "mosquito bite" is actually an inaccurate description. It more closely resembles the process of blood extraction.
When a female mosquito locates a blood vessel, she inserts her proboscis (a specialized narrow, tubular part of her mouth) into the skin. To help with blood flow, she introduces a vasodilator to dilate the blood vessel.
The female mosquito feasts on protein-rich blood, as it is an ideal source of nourishment for her eggs.
After a mosquito bite, the body's immune system responds by releasing histamines, which induce itching at the affected site. Histamines are only released once the body detects the presence of the mosquito's saliva, leading to delayed itching sensations that may not arise until several hours later. White blood cells then rush to the site to neutralize the saliva, forming an itchy, swelling red bump.
The Potential Dangers Of A Mosquito Bite
Mosquito bites often appear on the skin as swollen, red circular marks similar in size to a small coin like a dime. Sometimes, it takes about a day for these marks to show up, and in certain individuals, the swelling can exceed the size of a quarter.
People may have varying levels of allergic reactions to mosquito bites. Mild reactions might include itchiness or a rash, while others may experience other significant symptoms like bruising.
Although rare, in some cases, individuals may suffer from a severe allergic reaction known as anaphylaxis. This condition requires immediate medical attention as it can cause breathing difficulties and other serious symptoms.
Mosquitoes can also be carriers of diseases. According to the CDC, there are several diseases that mosquitoes can transmit; some of these include:
- Japanese encephalitis,
- La Crosse encephalitis,
- Ross River virus disease
- West Nile
- Yellow fever
- Zika.
Additionally, the CDC reports that mosquitoes can spread certain parasites such as dirofilariasis (a heartworm infection in dogs), lymphatic filariasis, and malaria.
Why Mosquitoes Bite Some More Than Others
There are thousands of different types of mosquitoes in Murrieta, and not all of them bite humans for the same reason (or bite at all).
Several studies have explored why mosquitoes seek out humans. These studies have looked into different factors, including:
- Body odor
- Blood type (especially Type O)
- Skin color (especially darker skin)
- Skin temperature and texture
- Microbes present on the skin
- Pregnancy
- Exhaled carbon dioxide
- Alcohol consumption
Despite these factors that may facilitate mosquito bites, it may also simply be our availability.
Protect Yourself And Family With Professional Mosquito Control
You can take some preventative measures to eliminate standing water on your property, regularly cleaning out birdbaths, for instance. This approach should help keep mosquitoes away from your Murrieta home.
However, you can't eliminate mosquitoes from the outdoors completely. The best way to protect yourself and your family is to call our Murrieta pest control experts for dependable pest control.
At Bull's Eye Pest Control, we offer free consultations for any concerns involving mosquitoes. We suggest that our customers at least receive quarterly treatments to avoid the overpopulation of mosquitoes on their properties.
Reach out today for help with mosquitoes and to learn more about our residential and commercial pest control services in Murrieta.