Mosquito Bites: everything you need to know

Mosquito bites are an uncomfortable nuisance that can cause skin irritation and discomfort, but they also have potential consequences. They are more common during warm months. These bites can cause itching, redness, and swelling at the site of the bite. In addition, some mosquito bites can carry serious diseases such as malaria, dengue, and Zika virus. Therefore, it is necessary to take preventive measures to avoid exposure to mosquito bites, such as using insect repellent, wearing long clothes, and avoiding mosquito-infested areas.

Why do mosquitoes bite me?

As specialist Juan Carlos Navarro indicates, “biting” refers in common jargon to the behavior called hematophagy, which actually means feeding on blood.

There are two fundamental reasons why mosquitoes bite: the first is associated with a reproductive factor, since it is the females that feed on blood because it provides nutrients for the nourishment and development of the eggs.

The second reason comprises two physiological factors: the first is that the human body releases carbon dioxide (CO2) in its respiratory process, which is captured by receptors in the female mosquito’s antennae, acting as a medium-distance attractant. The second factor is that the body emits heat, which is a close-range attractant.

Why do mosquitoes bite at night?

It is precisely these physiological factors that occur in our body during the night that explain the classic example of the night mosquito with that annoying “buzz” in our ears while we try to sleep.

What happens is, therefore, that we attract them due to our CO2 and precisely our ears are the area of the body where we concentrate the most heat when at rest.

Effects of mosquito bites

When a mosquito bites us, it introduces its saliva that contains several types of substances that can cause different reactions depending on each person. Even different mosquito species can cause different reactions. The reactions to mosquito bites that usually occur, in general, are:

• Local irritation, caused by the toxic substances that the insect injects while feeding, which manifest as inflammatory papules with pain and itching, and resolve spontaneously in hours or days.
• Localized allergic reaction in the form of a rosacea or generalized urticaria, which are produced by sensitization to injected salivary allergens. Severe allergic reactions rarely occur. An allergy to mosquito bites should be clinically diagnosed using skin tests (with extracts or commercial reagents from the whole mosquito, saliva, thorax, or recombinant antigens) and specific serum IgE measurements.
• Prurigo caused by insects, a mechanical trauma to the epidermis that appears in the areas of the bites as intensely itchy wheals, which sometimes contain blood, tissues, and mosquito saliva deposits.

Tiger Mosquito Bite

The tiger mosquito, very common during the warmer months of summer on the Mediterranean coast, tends to be more aggressive in the bite and in the allergic effect it causes on the skin.

How long does the inflammation last?

Some people have no reaction at all, however, others have reactions that range from small inflammation or redness that lasts a few minutes, to strong allergic reactions that require the application of antihistamines.

In other people, scratching can increase the allergic effect and the duration of the reaction, as well as staying in a high-temperature or high-humidity environment.

How does a mosquito bite affect children?

The reactions in children are similar to those of adults, although there may be differences due to individual innate conditions, however, allergic effects are usually more common. Although it has been described that 3% of the population reacts excessively to mosquito bites, allergic reactions are exceptional.

Home remedies for bites

It is important to note that if symptoms persist and signs of infection or other effects occur after 10 days, it is recommended to seek medical attention. When a mosquito bites us, there are certain general recommendations that we can follow:

• Apply cold, either ice or cold compresses on the affected area.
• Wash the skin with water and soap, avoiding breaking papules or vesicles that may have formed.
• Topically apply ingredients that soothe irritation and inflammation.
• Avoid scratching the area as it can lead to secondary infections.

Tips to prevent mosquito bites

By following some recommendations, we can keep mosquitoes away from both outdoor and indoor spaces in our homes. Here are some tips:

1. Pay attention to areas with stagnant water, such as plant saucers, buckets, tubs, pools, toys, etc., as mosquitoes lay their eggs near water. Also, check damp and dark areas such as the lower parts of a garden furniture piece, as mosquitoes rest in this type of environment.
2. Check the sealing of doors and windows. Good sealing of windows and doors is essential to prevent insects from entering the home. Keep in mind that an adult mosquito can measure between 3 and 6 millimeters.
3. Install mosquito nets and fans. Mosquito nets prevent their entry into the home, while the wind from fans makes it more difficult for them to fly, just like with the airflow from air conditioning.
4. Plant insect-repellent plants such as Citronella, Geranium, Rosemary, or Mint. The scent of these plants masks other odors that are attractive to insects, preventing them from getting close.

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