Mosquito bites are an annoying part of spending time outdoors in the summertime. While most bites are nothing to worry about, mosquitoes are known carriers of serious diseases. It's important to avoid these bugs whenever possible to reduce your risk of mosquito-borne illnesses. Keep reading to learn more about how these pests are attracted to humans and what steps you can take to keep mosquitoes away.
How Mosquitoes Sniff Out Human Sweat To Find Us
Female mosquitoes require a blood meal to reproduce. They will seek out humans to feed on and can sense a meal nearby through the use of their specialized senses. Human blood contains proteins that are critical to mosquito egg development, and male mosquitoes do not bite at all. In fact, they feed primarily on nectar and are natural pollinators. A female will also feed on nectar when necessary.
Mosquitoes have special receptors, allowing them to detect carbon dioxide from an exhale. They are also extremely attracted to body odor in human sweat. The receptors enable mosquitoes to detect these attractors from considerable distances, in some cases up to 30 feet away. Once these pests sense a meal is nearby, they will follow the scent until they detect body heat. They'll land on the skin and begin feeding when they're close enough to a host.
Mosquito Bite Symptoms And Treatment
Mosquito bites are known for being extremely itchy. They leave behind a small, swollen red bump, sometimes with a tiny dot in the middle. Most mosquito bites go away within several days, although some individuals may have a more severe allergic reaction. You can treat a normal mosquito bite with over-the-counter anti-itch creams and a mild pain reliever. Experts also recommend washing the affected area with soap and water. Apply an ice pack to further relieve incessant itching.
While most people who are bitten by mosquitoes don't suffer from major side effects or symptoms, these pests do carry dangerous germs. If a mosquito feeds on an infected host, it could pass the disease along to the next host through the feeding process. When a mosquito bites, it injects saliva into the body, which is what can potentially cause infection. Some of the diseases caused by mosquitoes include malaria, West Nile Virus, yellow fever, and dengue.
The Best Way To Repel Mosquitoes In Phoenix
Mosquitoes are a huge nuisance when spending time outdoors. Fortunately, there are several ways to repel mosquitoes, so they don't ruin the party. Try some of these tips today:
- Light mosquito-repelling candles around your outdoor areas. Choose scents such as citronella, lavender, eucalyptus, rosemary, or cedarwood.
- Use an outdoor fan to keep air circulating and prevent bugs from flying too close to your family and friends.
- Wear light-colored clothing and spray on an EPA-approved mosquito repellent.
- Eliminate standing water sources on your property. Female mosquitoes require a water source to lay their eggs. If you have a birdbath or water feature, add an agitator to attract mosquito-eating birds and keep the water moving.
- Keep your yard well-maintained and mow it often. Clean up debris and leaf piles.
When homemade remedies for mosquitoes fail, it might be time to call a trusted source of pest control in Phoenix, like Overson Pest Control.
Overson Pest Control: Mosquito Control Programs
When you want to get rid of mosquitoes on your property for good, call in the experts at Overson Pest Control. Serving the greater Phoenix area since 2015, our expert technicians use the latest mosquito control techniques to keep your yard clear of these nuisance pests. We pack all of our pest control services with a 100% money-back guarantee to ensure your ultimate satisfaction. To learn more about how we can help, give us a call today.