Tennessee is still in the height of mosquito season, so if you have spent any time outdoors this summer, there is a good chance that you have suffered from a mosquito bite or two! Maybe you have even thought about calling for mosquito control treatment from pest control in Knoxville. One question that might be on your mind is, why are mosquito bites so itchy?

Let’s take a deep dive into mosquito bites, how to treat them, and, better still, how to avoid them.

What is a Mosquito Bite?

You can usually identify a mosquito bite by its appearance. When female mosquitos feed on your blood, the resulting bite will be a raised, red bump on the skin. You may sometimes see a dark spot in the center which is where the mosquito penetrated the skin. In most cases, a mosquito bite isn’t going to cause any lasting damage; it is just extremely itchy and irritating for a few days. There is a risk of a minor infection if scratching the bites breaks the skin, allowing dirt and bacteria to get into the wound. While most mosquito bites themselves are harmless, mosquitoes are known to transmit disease. In Tennessee, the most common diseases carried by mosquitoes include West Nile Virus, La Crosse Virus, and Eastern Encephalitis Virus. It is also possible to contract Malaria or Zika Virus from mosquito bites that happen overseas. There have been no recorded cases of Zika Virus in Tennessee to date. Due to the risk of disease transmission, it is wise to seek out professional pest control in Knoxville to arrange regular mosquito treatments for your property.

Fun Fact! You may have noticed we mentioned mosquito bites from females. That’s because it is only the female mosquitoes that feed on blood. Males prefer a diet made up of flower nectar.

Why Do Mosquito Bites Itch?

As noted, the main symptom of a mosquito bite is a near unbearable itch! What is it that makes this happen? When a mosquito bites you, some of its saliva enters the bloodstream. Your immune system detects the saliva and recognizes it as an allergen. This triggers the production of histamine, which is sent to the bite to remove the allergen. Histamine is the chemical that causes the bite to swell up and begin to itch. Almost everyone has this allergic response to mosquito saliva when bitten.

Treating Mosquito Bites

In most cases, you will not require medical treatment for mosquito bites. You may experience some relief from applying a topical treatment like Hydrocortisone ointment. Oral antihistamines can also help to reduce swelling and itching. If you prefer a more natural route, using ice to the affected area or applying aloe vera can be a great way to soothe your bites. However, if you begin to experience any additional symptoms, including fever, severe headaches, chills, or body aches, then it is important to seek professional medical advice from a healthcare provider.

How Can I Prevent Mosquito Bites?

The all-around best case scenario would be to avoid getting bitten in the first place, and the only way to do that is to get rid of the mosquitos! Put in a call to pest control in Knoxville and find out about mosquito control treatments that will rid your property of these pesky critters. At Otis Pest Control, we have developed an effective treatment method combining source reduction, chemical and biological control. Mosquitoes need standing water to breed, so one of the first steps you can take is to remove standing water from your property, thus eliminating breeding habitats. Then, with the help of professional pest control in Knoxville, an EPA-approved pesticide can be applied to bushes, under plants, on grassy areas, and along the perimeter of your home. We can help you say goodbye to mosquitoes and their bites!

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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.