Do Mosquitoes Bite?
Yes, mosquitoes are infamous for their biting habits. But why do mosquitoes bite? This is because female mosquitoes require a blood meal to reproduce. In addition to human blood, female mosquitoes will feed on small birds and mammals. Their bites can result in itchy bite marks on the skin that clear up in a week or so.
However, mosquito bites are linked to a number of transmitted diseases worldwide. Luckily, mosquito-borne diseases in East Tennessee are rare. Nonetheless, a mosquito bite is always a nuisance.
Why Do Mosquitoes Bite You?
Mosquitoes are best known for their bites. These insects will bite in order to retrieve the nutrients found within blood, which is needed for the female mosquito to breed. These nutrients are necessary for the development of eggs. Although we refer to this activity as “biting”, in reality, the female mosquito is piercing your skin with her proboscis, almost like a needle. The proboscis contains two tubes, unlike just the one in a hypodermic syringe. One of these tubes inject saliva that contains a mix of chemicals to reduce pain, thin your blood and prevent it from clotting. The other is used to suck up the blood. Male mosquitoes, on the other hand, do not bite.
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Common Symptoms From Mosquito Bites
Mosquitoes tend to bite people where they have skin exposed, often the arms and legs. Here’s what to know about the progression of mosquito bites:
- Pinkish red bumps that are itchy will form just minutes after the mosquito pierces the skin.
- Over the next day or two, these bumps can become redder and darken.
- The bump from a mosquito bite is less than ½ inch across.
- The most common mosquito bite symptom is itching. Scratching at the bites can worsen the symptoms and cause bruising or rashes.
- In severe cases, fever, severe headaches, nausea, and fatigue can be a sign of a serious problem. Always consult a medical professional when experiencing these symptoms.
Will Mosquitoes Bite My Pet?
Yes, mosquitoes can and will feed on cats, dogs, and more. Cats are less likely to get bitten due to their thick coat of hair. However, they can be bitten on their nose and ears. Dogs, on the other hand, can definitely be bitten by mosquitoes. In addition to giving your pets irritating bite marks, mosquitoes can transmit diseases to animals just like they can to humans.
Protect yourself and your pets by contacting your local mosquito exterminators today!
Do Mosquitoes Bite? in Sevierville TN
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