Mosquito Bite Facts

Spring has sprung, which means warmer weather and more time spent outside. Of course, Spring also brings with it an increase in the insect population. And more time outside means more chances for those insects to bite. Mosquitoes are one of the most common complaints that pest control companies receive. And mosquito bites are the primary reason for those complaints. It is no wonder either, as those painful bites and itchy, red spots are such a nuisance. Read on to learn more information about the infamous mosquito bite, including how to avoid them in the first place and what to do if you do get bit.

Only Female Mosquitoes Bite

Did you know that it is only the female mosquitoes that bite humans? This is interesting because they only bite to feed on your blood which provides them with an essential protein to help them to both produce and also develop their eggs. Male mosquitoes are content feeding on sugars made by plant saps. In addition, female mosquitoes would much rather get their much-needed protein from larger animals like cattle and horses, but they will take what they can get. So, if they find you first, they will settle for your blood.

The Type of Clothing You Wear Matters

Did you know that mosquitoes can bite through clothing? We are sure that you probably had your suspicions, but it is true. To be fair, it is not all clothing, but lighter weight clothing with more loosely woven fibers they can certainly bite through. So, if you are going to be outside when the mosquitoes are out, your best bet is to wear fabrics with a tighter weave and to make sure as much of your skin if covered up as possible. It is not the most ideal scenario in the Florida heat, but you do what you have to do.

How You Smell Can Determine if You Get Bit

Mosquitoes have an excellent sense of smell. They are drawn to strong odors and can even smell the carbon dioxide in your breath. If you want to prevent mosquito bites, of course not breathing is not an option, but there are other precautions you can take to minimize your risk. Avoid strong fragrances like scented soaps and lotions. Do your best to keep cool as mosquitoes are also attracted to sweat. And wear light colored clothing. In addition, you can use plants like marigolds and lavender to your advantage as both of these flowers are known to repel mosquitoes naturally. Keep a few of these in pots around your yard to maximize their benefits.

Ditch the Itch

Everyone has their own ideas about what makes a mosquito bite stop itching, and if something works for you that is not mentioned here, then go for it. But some of the best options for getting mosquito bites to stop itching that we know of are: