The start of summer means mosquitoes, which means mosquito bites. Mosquito bites can be irritating, so here is everything you need to know about them and what you can do when you are bitten.
All About Mosquito Bites: Essential Need-to-Know Facts
As summer rolls in, you have to be ready to protect yourself against mosquito bites. Here are some of the top FAQs about mosquito bites and the answers you have been searching for.
How Long Do Mosquito Bites Take to Go Away?
Bites that occur from a small mosquito can go away within a few hours, but if you get bit by a mosquito that has a larger mouth, it can take a few days for them to go away, so be careful and wear bug spray.
When Do Mosquitoes Come Out?
Mosquitoes tend to be more active throughout the spring and summer months. They typically show up in the spring when the weather gets warmer and continue to be active when it starts to get colder again in October.
When Should I Worry about a Mosquito Bite?
If the bite is painful, red, itchy, or swollen, it might be a sign of an infection. Get to your doctor immediately if it looks like it could be a bacterial infection.
Signs of Infection from a Mosquito Bite
1 – Swollen Lymph Nodes
Swollen lymph nodes are a sign that your body is fighting off an infection. The lymph nodes are a part of the immune system, so when you have an infection, they go to work, producing virus-killing cells to battle the infection.
2 – Skin Infections
Skin infections are a common sign of a mosquito bite. Skin infections, especially folliculitis, are caused by bacteria that live on dead skin cells. This happens when you have an open wound, such as a mosquito bite. The pimple-like bumps that appear are the result of the infected hair follicle.
3 – Fever
A fever is a tell-tale sign that you have a bacterial infection. In rare cases, you can get bitten by a mosquito that has a virus, but they are rare. Therefore, if you have a fever, it is most likely caused by an infection in your body.
4 – Redness or Discoloration
The discoloration is a symptom of an infection. It can appear red, pink, purple, or brownish in color. This discoloration is caused by a mixture of fluid and blood under the skin. The fluid is a result of the immune system fighting the infection.
What to Do about a Mosquito Bite
1 – Apply Ice
The fastest way to relieve pain is to apply ice. However, you need to do this within the first few hours of being bitten. Applying ice to the bite will reduce the swelling, which will make the itching go away.
2 – Use a Calamine Lotion
A lotion with calamine in it will not stop the itching, but it will reduce the amount of itching. Calamine is a zinc-based lotion that can cause an allergic reaction, but it is good for its ability to reduce redness and itching.
3 – Pain Relievers
Taking over-the-counter pain relievers can help reduce itching and swelling by blocking the nerves from sending messages to your brain.
4 – Cold Compress
A cold compress helps reduce the redness of the bite. This is because it constricts the blood vessels and causes them to shrink. This helps the skin return to its normal color, which will reduce the redness. However, this method works best on the first day of being bitten.
Conclusion
It is important to remember that mosquitoes are not just annoying, especially when they bite, but they can be harmful. The most important thing to do when you are bitten by a mosquito is to understand that mosquito bites can be dangerous.
If you are looking for help with mosquito control in Pelham, AL, contact Prowess Pest Control. Your safety is our number one priority. Prowess’s progressive solutions provide customers with a pest-free environment and protect against unwanted invaders inside and outside the home.
