Mosquito bites are small bumps on the skin caused by a female mosquito feeding on human blood. This insect is considered a vector (creature that carries disease between animals and humans. But what is the truth about some people being mosquito magnets, and how can professional mosquito control and prevention help protect them from the dangers of mosquito bites?
What Happens When A Mosquito Bites You
When a mosquito bites you, it injects its saliva into your skin. The proteins in its saliva act as an anticoagulant, preventing your blood from clotting, which allows the mosquito to suck blood. This process of biting and bloodsucking is what causes the itching and redness. In addition, it also contains other compounds that can cause an allergic reaction in some people. In rare cases, mosquitoes can transmit diseases like dengue fever, malaria, and West Nile virus through their bites.
Factors and Substances that Attract Mosquitoes
Mosquitoes are attracted to various substances and factors, including:
- What you wear: They are attracted to dark and bold colours like black, red, navy blue, and floral. Dress in light, neutral colours in addition to covering up with long sleeves and pants. Loose-fitted clothing is recommended, as mosquitoes can bite through tight clothing.
- How you smell: Mosquitoes are drawn to smelly feet or socks and your skin odour, especially if you are sweaty. They are also attracted to floral-scented soaps, deodorants, perfumes, and moisturising lotions. They can use these chemical signals and smells to find you.
- What you eat: This is somewhat related to smell. Among these are eating Limburger cheese and drinking beer.
- Your chemical composition: If you have a warmer body temperature or a higher metabolic rate than normal, you are more prone to mosquito bites.
- During exercise: Mosquitoes are attracted to the carbon dioxide and lactic acid you emit during exercise.
It is worth noting that different species of mosquitoes may have different attractions for the abovementioned factors, but these are the substances and elements that attract mosquitoes in general.
Importance of Proper Mosquito Control and Prevention
Mosquito control and prevention are important for the following reasons:
- Health – As mentioned, they can transmit serious diseases like malaria, dengue fever, and West Nile virus, which can be the ultimate cause of severe illness or even death.
- Quality of Life – Mosquito bites can cause itching and swelling, which can be uncomfortable and disruptive to day-to-day life. In addition, their presence can make it difficult to enjoy outdoor activities.
- Economic Impact – Mosquitoes can negatively impact the tourism and outdoor recreation industries.
- Environmental Impact – Some control methods can have adverse impacts on the environment if not correctly used or if the wrong method is used.
- Vector Control – Mosquitoes are vectors, which means they are capable of transmitting pathogens and diseases from one host to another. Therefore, properly controlling and preventing mosquitoes helps in the spread of these diseases.
Implementing effective mosquito control and prevention measures is crucial for protecting public health, preserving the quality of life, and preventing economic losses.
What You Can Do
There are several things you can do to reduce their numbers. It includes:
- Eliminating still waters
- Using mosquito repellents
- Making use of mosquito-repelling plants
- Installing screens
- Using mosquito traps
- Seeking professional help
How Pest Professionals Can Help You
Pest control and prevention services can help you with your mosquito problems in six crucial areas: identification, inspection, treatment, long-term solutions, monitoring, and professional advice. Pest professionals can:
- identify the type of mosquitoes present on your property and determine the best course of action for control and prevention,
- inspect your property to pin down potential mosquito breeding sites, such as still water, and take steps to eliminate them,
- use various methods to control and prevent mosquitoes, including the use of pesticides, biological control methods, and physical barriers,
- help you implement long-term solutions to keep them away, such as installing mosquito nets or screens and recommending plants that repel mosquitoes,
- monitor the effectiveness of the control methods used and make adjustments as needed, and
- provide professional advice on how to protect yourself and your loved ones from mosquitoes
By engaging the services of a pest control professional like Avalon Services, you take a proactive approach to managing your mosquito problems so you can enjoy a mosquito-free environment.
