With the weather heating up, we’re all enjoying our favorite outdoor activities more frequently. Whether you’re gardening, lounging by the pool, grilling up a delicious dinner, or enjoying a game of horseshoes in the backyard, you’ve probably experienced a few mosquito bites already. The obnoxious bugs are everywhere, it seems, and bug repellant sprays aren’t foolproof.
First, what causes those itchy raised welts? Those are actually due to your own immune system’s response to the insect’s saliva. And so, the reaction can vary a bit from one person to the next. Most of us experience obnoxious itching and perhaps a bit of stinging pain, but otherwise the bites have disappeared in a few days. But for some people, the reaction is more severe. An inflammatory reaction, called papular uticaria, can sometimes trigger more severe reactions and even a fever.
And of course, in more rare instances, mosquitos can transmit serious diseases such as West Nile virus, Zika, and more. These viruses are rarely seen in the United States, but you should still head to the doctor if you’ve been bitten by a mosquito and experience concerning signs of illness (high fever, chills, body aches, headaches, and so on).
If your mosquito bites are bothering you, apply ice and consider an antihistamine medication. Of course, you should only take over-the-counter medication if it is safe for you to do so, according to your own medical status and other medications you might be taking. Otherwise, a topical ointment containing hydrocortisone can help.
Naturally, the best way to deal with mosquito bites is to prevent them! Discourage mosquitos from setting up camp in your yard by emptying all water containers and addressing areas of the yard that tend to create puddles. Wear long sleeves and pants when outdoors, and avoid wearing sweet scents and dark colors. Mosquitoes are most active at dawn and dusk, so minimize your time spent outdoors at those hours.
And of course, do call us if you experience an unacceptable number of mosquitos around your home. We can help you with fast and reliable pest control services, to eradicate as many of the obnoxious insects as possible.