If you spend any amount of time outdoors in spring and summer, you have probably experienced the discomfort of a mosquito bite! When the insect bites, it injects some saliva into the skin, which is what the human body reacts to. It causes that familiar raised bump and intense itching. Most people will only have a minor reaction, but the area can become very swollen and painful for others. Let’s learn a little more about mosquito bites, how to treat them, and how to avoid them with the help of professional pest control in Knoxville.
Recognizing a Mosquito Bite
Often we get bitten without ever seeing the culprit, so how can you determine a mosquito bite from any other critter that might see you as a snack? Some of the main characteristics of a mosquito bite are as follows:
- A puffy red bump that appears minutes after the bite occurs
- A hard, itchy red-brown bump that appears around a day after the bites
- Small blisters in the area of the bite
- Dark spots that look similar to bruises
Fun Fact! Did you know that only female mosquitoes bite humans or animals? They require a blood meal in order to produce eggs. Males feed only on plant nectar.
Mosquitos will bite anyone, but the most severe reactions appear in children, those with immune system disorders, and adults who have never been bitten before. These individuals may experience additional symptoms, including large areas of swelling and redness, a low-grade fever, hives, and swollen lymph nodes.
Mosquito bites themselves are inconvenient but not life-threatening. One of the main concerns that people have is the fact that mosquitoes can transmit several bloodborne diseases, including West Nile virus, La Crosse Encephalitis, Dengue Fever, and Zika Virus. However, it is worth noting that at this time, there have been no cases of mosquitoes transmitting Zika in Tennessee, and the vast majority of cases of Dengue occur when traveling abroad rather than local transmission. The best defense against other mosquito-related diseases is prevention with the help of professional pest control in Knoxville.
Treating Mosquito Bites
If a mosquito bites you, you can usually treat it yourself at home without medical intervention. Wash the area with soap and water to rid it of any lingering saliva, then apply an ice pack for a minimum of 10 mins to reduce the swelling and itchiness. Mix up a tablespoon of baking soda with a small amount of water to form a paste, then apply this to the bite to reduce the itch. Wash the paste off after 10 minutes. Alternatively, you can pick up an over-the-counter antihistamine cream.
It is important to resist the urge to scratch that itch! This is when mosquito bites will become infected. If the bite becomes warm to the touch and has red streaks spreading outward from the bite, you should seek medical advice.
Preventing Mosquito Bites
In an ideal world, the best scenario is to prevent mosquito bites in the first place. You can take personal steps such as wearing long sleeves and pants and using mosquito repellent, but you will also want to work with a provider of pest control in Knoxville to discourage mosquitoes from swarming your home!
When you book an inspection with a provider offering professional pest control in Knoxville, the first step will be to check the property for existing mosquito swarms and identify potential breeding habitats. They will then develop an appropriate treatment plan for eliminating mosquitoes that are present and preventing further infestations. This will include removing standing water that could serve as potential breeding habitats and applying the appropriate larvicide and insecticide to kill adult mosquitoes and any eggs.
Pro Tip! Did you know that mosquitoes need standing water in order to breed? That includes birdbaths, rain barrels, and water features!
Quick Tips For Discouraging Mosquitos
When you hire a provider to carry out pest control in Knoxville and rid you of your mosquito problem, they will offer a number of recommendations to put in place alongside the pest control treatment to keep the mosquitoes at bay. Here are six quick tips to discourage mosquitoes at your property.
- Swap outdoor lights to yellow bulbs as these attract fewer mosquitoes.
- If you have a pond or water feature, create moving water by installing a bubbler or waterfall.
- Pools and ponds without fish or plant life can also be treated with larvicide to kill mosquito eggs.
- Eliminate standing water such as rain barrels, birdbaths, and blocked gutters.
- Use door and window screens to stop mosquitoes from getting inside your home.
- Maintain your trees and shrubs to eliminate resting spots for mosquitoes in the afternoons when the sun is highest.
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Otis Termite & Pest Control is a full-service pest control company with a focus on outstanding service. We have been serving the East Tennessee area for over 56 years and our reputation is built on prompt and effective service. We’re good at what we do and we’re fast. We do the job right the first time – and that’s an actual guarantee!
Call 865.690.1662 or visit www.otispestcontrol.net.