How to Stop Mosquito Bites Stop Itching

Mosquito bites normally mark the beginning of hot weather. Although the majority of mosquito bites are harmless, some can trigger health complications for those allergic to them. Mosquito bites normally happen because the female mosquitoes are attracted to human blood. They bite and suck on blood so they can be able to reproduce. These bites usually create bumps on the skin a few hours later and can also cause swelling and itching.

Mosquitoes are disease carriers but the likelihood of becoming infected is mostly determined by your area of residence. Other complications that can be caused by mosquito bites include breathing difficulties or swollen throat for those who are allergic to mosquito bites. Such adverse reactions are rare but when they occur, they need the immediate intervention of a health professional.

The following tips will go a long way to stop mosquito bites from itching:

Creams and Ointments

There are dozens of creams and ointments that can be used to stop mosquito bites from itching. You can purchase such products from online or local stores. It is wise to follow the manufacturer’s recommendations while using any of these products. In the event that the symptoms become severe, it is always recommended that you seek immediate help from a medical professional. Others also come with active ingredients that can trigger adverse side effects especially if you have a sensitive skin type. Performing a patch test can help prevent these reactions with your skin.

Apply Crushed Ice

One of the most effective ways to stop and reduce inflammation is the use of ice. The cold helps to numb the skin, which will not only give you short-time relief, but also help to sooth the skin.

Be careful not to apply the ice directly to the akin as it may burn your skin. Using a cloth lining or towel for wrapping the ice before placing on the skin is most recommended and can be placed on the bite for longer without causing discomfort.

Use Honey

Honey is one of the best homemade remedy for mosquito bites. That is because it contains natural anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. For many years, honey has been used in the treatment of certain inflammatory conditions, such as, sore throat, bruises, and skin sores. Just the application of a small drop of honey on an itchy mosquito bite will help to reduce inflammation. Plus, it will reduce the tendency of scratching which can worsen the condition of your skin.

Apply Onion Bulb

Onions not only cause tears in your eyes, but can also be an effective remedy for mosquito bites. The juices from freshly cut bulbs can reduce irritation caused by mosquito bites. Onions are packed with natural antifungal compounds that are known to help in reducing the risk of a skin infection.

Simply cut a slice from an onion and rub it against the bite for a couple of minutes. You should then thoroughly rinse with clean water to get rid of the onion.

Conclusion

Mosquito bites can indeed be irritating if left unattended. While preventing such bites is the best approach. The above simple and practical tips can be very helpful.

How to Treat Mosquito Bites

Mosquito bites can lead to bumps, irritation, and itching. There are plenty of home remedies that can effectively help in the treatment of mosquito bites. These include use of ice, aloe vera, and honey. Some effective ways of prevention include covering the exposed skin and use of mosquito repellents.

Mosquitoes can help in transmission of diseases in certain parts of the world. Interestingly the female mosquito is the one responsible for sucking blood and has the potential of transmitting disease. The male mosquito does not fees in plant neither does it spread disease.

The itching caused by a bite is normally caused by the saliva that a mosquito leaves behind.

Here is how to treat mosquito bites:

Antihistamines

Studies have shown that some antihistamines can be helpful in treating mosquito bites. Histamine refers to a chemical that the body produces as a part of an inflammatory response following a mosquito bite. This chemical triggers itching, and thus the use of antihistamines can help prevent the effect of histamine from taking place. Antihistamines are available in pill form, while others can be applied topically onto the bites.

Heating Pads

The use of concentrated heat pads can be helpful for treating mosquito bites. Use of concentrated heat has been known to help reduce the discomfort caused by insect bites in less than 10 minutes once applied.

Ice

Studies have shown that low temperatures prevent the spread of an inflammation. This means you can reduce discomfort, itching and inflammation that occurs on the skin following a mosquito bite. Try not to put the ice directly on your skin as it can burn you. Instead, wrap the ice using a towel cloth before application

Hydrocortisone Cream

Hydrocortisone cream refers to a topical application that helps reduce itching and inflammation. This cream which is available as an over-the-counter or prescription medication may not be suitable for every skin type. Expectant mothers, children, and persons with skin infections should not use this cream unless prescribed by a health professional. The creams should also be used in moderation and only for short periods, or as recommended by your physician.

When to Seek Medical Help

Although mosquito bites improve within a few hours after the bite, the symptoms can last for several days if you have a sensitive skin. The small bite can eventually turn into an itchy sore and broaden in size. It is recommended that one avoids scratching, which can make your skin more vulnerable to bacterial infections.

You can relieve the itch from an infection through:

• Gently washing the area using soap and water
• Use an anti-itch cream or lotion
• Apply an ice pack on the bite
• Use prescribed or an over-the-counter antihistamine

Call your doctor if you experience the following symptoms:

• Shortness of breath
• Vomiting
• Fever

Conclusion

You can easily prevent suffering mosquito bites by staying indoors, wearing of long pants and using insecticides. Draining any stagnant water, and use of screens on windows to keep the mosquitoes out is also recommended. In case the infestation is relentless, getting the help of your local pest exterminator is recommended.

Mosquito Bits

Warm weather months means the return of pesky mosquitoes, which are seemingly determined to interrupt outdoor sporting events, backyard barbecues and quiet evenings on the porch.

Mosquitoes are annoying, but they make for an amazing source of income. Companies and individuals alike profit off the hatred that exists for mosquitoes, selling products that claim to repel or kill mosquitoes with efficiency and ease.

However, it can be hard to tell which of these products work and which ones are merely counterfeit. Shopping for the perfect solution to your mosquito problem can be more of a hassle than you bargained for.

Say goodbye to the annoying buzzing and fever bouts. Mosquito bits are what you need to effectively deal with these sleazy insects.

Just what are Mosquito bits

Mosquito bits will keep you from spraying your whole house with a can of RAID or dealing with adult mosquitoes.

Bits are basically granular-shaped pellets intended to be put, tossed, or thrown into standing water where mosquitoes are likely present. The bits then dissolve over time, and  release a chemical that helps control mosquito larvae.

Bits are completely harmless to people, pets, and any form of wildlife that isn’t a mosquito.This safety is due to the main ingredient in mosquito bits; a bacterium known as Bacillus thuringiensis israelensis, otherwise known as B.T.I.

B.T.I. is a popular bacterium for larvicides, with it being used in many states for aerial spraying, water spraying and various other forms of treatment. As of now, it remains one of the best methods of killing larvae, due to its non-toxic nature to people or wildlife.

How Mosquito bits work

All you need to do is toss or sprinkle them in the water and let them dissolve. The active ingredient, B.T.I is deadly for mosquito larvae. As the larvae eat it, it becomes a poison to them and will kill them in a few days.

Because it does not hurt full-grown bugs, the impact on the broader food chain is minimal and deemed safe. As long as the bits remain in contact with the water, they should work

The Bits are intended for a more rapid control of known mosquito larvae populations. They dissolve rapidly and are intended to kill the larvae within 24 hours.  The Bits are small, so they don’t have an extended time-release feature.

It should be noted that Bits are intended for larvae. If you need to control populations of adult mosquitoes, it is too late for this product. You’ll will need to find another way, such as a mosquito fog or professional treatment.

Where to Use Mosquito bits

Just like mosquitoes, bits don’t discriminate between any body of water. The only requirement being that the body of water must be seasonal; if the water body doesn’t dry up, it might render the bits ineffective. If you know of a pond or puddle left behind and likely has larvae, bits will work best.

Now you’re fully geared to fight mosquitoes. Shop for Mosquito bits next time you’re in town.

People are affected by mosquito bites in different ways. When mosquitoes feed they will pump saliva which contains blood thinners and proteins into the host as they suck out the blood. The body’s reaction is to unleash histamine to get white blood cells to the bite site to get rid of the proteins. Mosquito bites can last days or hours and depending on a person’s immunity.  This compound, histamine, is behind the inflammation, swelling and itching. A good number of people have become inured to mosquito bites but the majority are still affected and react to the bites. Many have come up with all kinds of remedies to ease the itching.

Clean the bite using surgical spirit. When it dries surgical spirit has a cooling effect which will give you relief from the itching. This should be applied as quickly as possible after being bitten by a mosquito.

Oatmeal bath

This grain has soothing effects that give you relief from allergic reactions, insect bites, dry skin and chicken pox. Add a bit of water to colloidal oatmeal make a paste and smear it on the bite. Use warm water to clean it off after a quarter of an hour. You can also add oatmeal to your bathwater.

Basil rub

Use freshly chopped basil leaves to rub on the bite. This offers immediate relief as basil has compounds that relieve itchy skin. Basil oil can also be applied to mosquito bites to relieve the itching.

Aloe Vera

Cut the aloe Vera leaf and apply the gel on to the mosquito bite to enjoy the plants soothing effects. It also has anti-inflammatory properties.

Cold tea bag

Cool a soaked bag of black tea in the fridge. Lay the cold tea bag on the mosquito bite to relieve swelling and itching. Tea has anti-inflammatory properties.

Honey

Honey has wound healing ability, is antibacterial and an antiseptic. Apply it on the mosquito bite to bring inflammation down and prevent infection. Wear it inside the home because mosquitoes are attracted to the sugars in the honey.

Corticosteroids cream

These creams reduce skin irritation and Inflammation. Don’t use them on your face  and open wounds.

Minced garlic

Garlic has wound healing and antiviral capabilities but it can also increase inflammation and skin irritation if applied raw. For better results mix crushed garlic with coconut oil and apply  to the bite.

Mosquito bites affect some people with more serious effects like including hives, blisters, hives, swollen joints and fever.  You will need to see a doctor if you exhibit one of these symptoms.

There are vaccines for mosquito borne disease like yellow fever If you live in areas where there a lot of mosquitoes.

Prevention of mosquito bites

If you are traveling in mosquito inhabited countries you will need insect repellant. Mosquitoes are attracted to heat, carbon dioxide, body odor and sweat.  When outside dress in long-sleeved shirt, a hat, trousers, and socks and apply insect repellant liberally. When sleeping, do so under a mosquito net.

Families with infants and toddlers should take extra care and precaution on making sure that their houses have the following: clean rooms, well-stored baby food, and proper ventilation in order to avoid big mosquitoes and bite them.

Indeed, these measures are truly necessary to ensure the kid’s general health and well being. But, do we pay more attention to controlling these insects inside our homes?

The answer in most cases would be no. It is true that a lot of time and energies are spent on keeping the house clean at all times. Vacuum cleaners, mops, and other cleaning liquids have made life simpler.

Despite all this, we all tend to pay little attention to mosquitoes, mostly at times when we get bitten. And that’s where a trusty proven to be highly effective in getting rid of mosquitoes becomes rampant and a part of every household routine.

Not all states have active mosquito control systems in place. No matter where you live, you can keep the mosquito problem under control by taking appropriate measures:

• Eliminate Mosquito Breeding Grounds

Mosquito larvae require standing water. One of the best ways to prevent mosquito breeding grounds from forming is by not letting water stand for long periods. Fill in areas where water can pool, and empty water dishes for plants and pets every other day. Don’t forget to clean the gutters around your house.

Make certain that other areas of water on your property circulate frequently. Empty and refill birdbaths every week. Change pool water weekly or have a circulation system put in place.

You can stock ornamental ponds with fish that eat mosquito larvae and/or adult mosquitoes.

Goldfish, koi, minnows, guppies, and mosquito fish are all good choices. If mosquito larvae don’t mature, the next generation of mosquitoes will be smaller.

• Keep the Adults in Check

While eliminating mosquito larvae helps prevent future problems, it doesn’t do anything about the immediate nuisance. There are a variety of commercial mosquito traps that work to eliminate adult mosquitoes.

All traps contain some type of bait and require some periodic maintenance. Although mosquito traps can be effective in controlling the adult population, you must combine them with organized control methods or nearby mosquitoes will eventually refill your property. Using multiple strategies can significantly reduce the breeding population.

• Misting Systems

Neither the Environmental Protection Agency nor the American Mosquito Control Association recommends misting systems. These systems are only approved for use with stronger chemicals.

Those chemicals kill mosquitoes and can kill beneficial insects such as honeybees and ladybugs. The dosages these systems use may also be hazardous to pets and children. Even spraying at the right time to kill mosquitoes may kill far more than just the mosquitoes.

Spraying at the wrong time can leave the mosquito population unchecked and do far more harm to other environmental elements. Although mosquito-misting systems can be effective, they should be used by a professional. The best thing to do is to call a mosquito removal company in your area to learn more.

An allergy is a response to a component that affects the immune system. While this reaction does not bother most other people, here, you’ll see mosquito bite allergy pictures from the common ones: itching, swelling, runny nose, asthma, and sneezing.

Itching, redness, irritation, and swelling oftentimes occur after a bug bite. Most bug bite cases do not lead to any life-threatening conditions and can just be treated at home.

But, there are some cases of bug bites that can be dangerous due to allergic reactions. Severe cases of allergy usually happen if there is an insect sting. Swelling is the most common symptom of bug bite and may be caused by bees, wasps, and mosquitoes.

Compared to insect bites, insect stings are more dangerous. Some insects sting humans because they feel threatened.

One of the kinds of insects that sting is the honey bee. Honey bees sting humans and after that, the bees die. However, they leave their stingers and venom sac inside the skin of their victim which allows the venom to be pumped in the bloodstream causing pain, redness, and swelling.

But, sting cases caused by wasps, hornets, and other venomous insects are different. Wasp and hornet stingers are not left inside the skin, therefore, a person has a high possibility to get stung by the same insect several times and may lead to severe swelling of the large stung part of the body.

There are some cases that insect sting can trigger allergic reactions and may affect distant parts of the body, thus, the whole body might swell. Itching and irritation, however, are caused by non-venomous insects.

Itching is caused by the secreted substance from the insects’ salivary glands as they suck blood. Most mosquito or insect bites swell on the affected area only and doesn’t spread.

Generally, these bites don’t require treatment for they simply disappear after a few days.

On the other hand, stings oftentimes result in swelling. If a person with sting allergy got stung, it may lead to a severe allergic reaction.

It can be severe if the person was stung in the eyes, mouth, or lips for it may lead to anaphylaxis, wherein, the patient will have difficulty breathing.

Angioedema is also an allergic condition where the patient suffers difficulty in speaking or swallowing. This is often caused by swelling of the entire body.

If the stung person already manifests anaphylaxis, it is best to seek medical help immediately. If the patient is already experiencing difficulty in breathing and slowly losing consciousness, revive him through rescue breathing.

Loosen his clothes and remove all the jewelry. For simple and non-allergic bug bites, an ice compress can be used to minimize the swelling. Soothing gel or cream can also be applied to the inflamed part.

There is no best remedy but prevention. Thus, it is best to take preventive measures than experiencing bug bite swelling. Use insect repellents to avoid bug bites and cover your entire body if you visit a wasp prone zone. If there is extreme pain due to bug bite swelling, seek medical advice immediately.

Mosquitoes are some of the most annoying pests you can come around. Primarily because of their relentless buzzing on your face and ears as they hover around you and occasionally swoop in to try and take a bite at you.

It is nearly impossible to sleep when your house is infested with mosquitoes. A mosquito bite is painful and akin to being pricked by a sharp needle. That sounds right because the anatomy of a female mosquito includes a mouth area that has a long tube like appendage known as a proboscis. It is this appendage that a mosquito uses to pierce the skin and suck on blood.

The female mosquito

Surprisingly, not all mosquitoes bite. It is the female mosquitoes that have been equipped with the necessary mouth parts to endow them with the ability to draw blood from humans and livestock. The male mosquito is not equipped with a proboscis and therefore does not bite and instead feeds on grasses. The female mosquito also known as the anopheles mosquito is the one that bites and feeds on blood. The blood diet is necessary for it to be able to reproduce.

Swollen mosquitoes bite

Mosquito bites are not only painful but cause itchy bumps on the skin at the bite area. Fortunately the bump often clears up on its own in a couple of days.

However, a mosquito’s bite can occasionally cause a large area of swelling, redness and soreness. Although this can happen with adults, it mostly occurs in children and it is referred to as skeeter syndrome.

Because of the swelling and itchiness of the mosquito bite in both adults and kids, the scratching can result in puncturing the bump to create a small wound which can easily get infected.

Skeetersymdrome is as a result of a mosquito bite on a person who has not grown accustomed to mosquito bites. The bite tends to swell up to a very large size, and may be accompanied by fever. Skeetersymdrome can be treated through Medical procedures such as immunotherapy.

How to avoid mosquito bites

The best way to avoid swollen mosquito bites is to take preventative measures from being bitten by mosquitoes. Here’s how:

1. Avoid areas with stagnant water
2. Wear clothing that covers all the body with no exposed areas. Such as longsleeved shirts, pants, scarf to protect the neck.
3. Avoiding outdoors during the dusk and dawn hours when mosquitoes are most active

Using effective bug repellent such as DEET can be of great help in preventing mosquito bites. According to the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology, DEET repellent products offer you protection from mosquitoes for 2–6 hours.

Conclusion

Getting rid of any stagnant water in and around your home should take care of any lingering mosquitoes. Sleeping under a mosquito net will also save you a lot of mosquito trouble. If nothing seems to be working and the infestation is not receding, the problem may be bigger than you know. Call a licensed pest officer for help in getting rid of mosquitoes in your house and compound.

When you are pregnant, you can be especially susceptible to mosquito bite illness. Of course, you certainly don’t want to come down with anything at this time because of the baby.

But is it possible that the insect pest control methods that you use could be possibly even more harmful to the health of your unborn baby than the pests themselves?

That’s what obstetricians are beginning to warn expecting mothers of. If you are expecting a baby boy, active ingredients in repellents, such as DEET, can cause untold damage.

The research itself was something that was done in England. They surveyed the mothers of about 500 babies born with hypospadias and asked about the kind of insect pest control measures they had taken while pregnant.

The answers they received were pretty clear – use bug sprays, and you take on an 80% risk that your baby boys might be born with a short urethra, which is what hypospadias is.

And if that isn’t bad enough, using commonly available bug sprays and repellents for insect pest control can cause miscarriage, premature delivery and a number of other problems. So what are your alternatives?

You can hardly choose to just wing it and risk getting an ineffective product, no could you? What if you got bitten by an infected mosquito?

Let’s look at a few harmless natural alternatives, and also at some products that are advertised as effective with insect pest control, but are in fact of doubtful worth.

1. Soybean oil is the king of all-natural mosquito repellents. You could either choose to use a readily available product that uses a little bit of this kitchen ingredient for up to four hours of protection, or you could use the oil directly to your skin. Soy oil works longer and harder than extra strength DEET.

2. Oil of lemon eucalyptus is a great repellent, that is particularly recommended by the CDC for effectively keeping away some disease-infested mosquitoes. The great thing is, it works for a couple of hours longer will each application than you could expect with a chemical repellent. However, don’t be tempted to use this oil by itself.

Make sure that you buy a product that contains a small quantity of it. That’s the most effective way to achieve insect pest-control with oil of lemon eucalyptus.

3. Now in your quest to zero in on the safest products out there, could you possibly throw the baby out with the bathwater? As it would happen, you could, with ideas like these: Vitamin B, wristbands impregnated with repellents, germanium plants and bugs zappers.

These are dangerous ideas; not because they don’t work at all, but because they work partially.

When people who aren’t informed enough about the nature of these products go get them to protect their families with, they can easily try to look on the positive side of them and continue to use them for what little they do. And this makes them even worse than complete quackery.

Still, the best solution for this is to seek the professional help of your local pest control company.

Mosquitoes are known to be carriers of various diseases that can be transmitted to humans, pets, and horses. The best way to get rid of mosquitoes and to protect your self from these diseases is by calling in mosquito control done by professionals.

Mosquito populations around your home can get out of control if nothing is done. Wearing long pants, and long-sleeved shoes and socks, while outside when mosquitoes are active can reduce bites.

There are other mosquito control devices and mosquito control programs available that can be combined to provide you with optimal results.

Around some properties, mosquitoes are a huge problem. While spending time with your family, either enjoying the pool or a barbecue, mosquitoes can make these experiences miserable.

Many recreational activities have been ruined by the constant annoyance and irritation caused by these biting insects. They can sense carbon dioxide released from our bodies and pick up on our body heat.

The most effective way to reduce the mosquito population around your home or neighborhood is to find and eliminate their breeding sites. Most of the time, mosquitoes will not travel far from their breeding area.

Mosquitoes use standing water to lay eggs, even the smallest amounts of water can be used for this purpose. Anything can be used as a breeding area: a bottle cap, old tire, rain gutter, ponds and any other object that can old water.

There are many different types of mosquito control devices available to consumers or professionals. Mosquito control can be as cheap as buying Citronella Oil scented candles or purchasing devices that can range well over $1,000.

These devices can only offer a level of protection but without identifying a breeding site you may have a difficult time keeping populations down. Mosquito control or insect control Misting Systems can be installed around a property which helps to control a wide variety of Pest.

These misting systems can be installed by a pest professional and regular monitoring can reduce populations quickly. Since mosquitoes do most of their feeding in the early morning and at night, you can place these systems on timers to provide ideal protection at these various times.

Natural exterminators in mosquito control such as bats, dragonflies, and some birds will feed on mosquitoes.

Some nature magazines suggest building bat or birdhouses promotes nesting by these animals which will offer a layer of protection against these insects.

Unfortunately, mosquitoes are only a small portion of their diet. The majority of the public has a phobia of bats or does not want birds nesting around their home so few people utilize this method.

Just remember mosquito control can be extremely difficult, but the most important thing is to find and eliminate breeding areas. You can always consult with a professional about mosquitoes in your around your home.

There are many different products or services you can purchase from either a professional or a do-it-yourself store.

Giant Mosquito

Giant mosquitoes have a reputation that precedes them by virtue of looking like the annoying smaller mosquito and her bite. But apart from looking like a typical mosquito on steroids these flies also known as crane flies are generally harmless to humans and beast. Large and small mosquitoes need stagnating water in order to lay eggs and continue their life cycle. So when there are very wet winters you can expect an influx of mosquitoes.

But there are two types of giant mosquitoes: the crane fly and the galliniper mosquito

Characteristics of the crane fly

Also known as mosquito hawks or in other places as the mosquito eaters, the giant mosquito emerges in spring time to mate and then two weeks later they die off. Although their name suggests that they prey on mosquitos they actually don’t feed on mosquitoes and they also do not bite you. They are pretty much benign in nature.

Unfortunately, their larvae can be destructive causing turf damage by chomping through the grass to leave dry, brown and leathery patches on your lawn. The larvae look like cutworms without legs.  Their damage is not very extensive but it is noticeable. So if you want to mitigate their damage you need to call a pest control expert.

Characteristics of the galliniper mosquito

Also known as the shaggy legged galliniper this is the largest mosquito species in the world. Apart from its impressive size it is also extremely aggressive and can bite you even through clothing. It is scientifically known as the PsorophoraCiliata and it can be 6-20 times the size of a regular mosquito. The bite of the galliniper mosquito is said to be so aggressive the victim would feel like they are being stabbed. Considering the fact that the female will bite you during the day and night, it is a menace that needs to be eradicated the minute it is identified.

It has darker scales on its legs which have become identifying markers for this ferocious mosquito. The galliniper mosquito is native to the Eastern parts of the United States. Fortunately, it is not known to be a disease vector like the regular mosquito but it is still a pest and a nuisance. However, this species of mosquitoes is so aggressive that even in their larvae stage they will eat tadpoles.

These mosquitoes surge in numbers over the rainy season because like regular mosquito they need stagnant water to breed. To prevent them drain your fountains and bird pools or keep the water circulating and refreshed.