If you took a poll of Texas residents and asked about the most annoying pest, there would probably be a clear winner – mosquitoes. There’s nothing like a mosquito to ruin an evening around a bonfire or a hike on your favorite trail. But how much do you know about mosquitoes? Learn the answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about mosquitoes.
Why Do Mosquitoes Bite You?
Mosquitoes feed on nectar, plant sap, and honeydew. So why do they bite people, or why specifically, the women? Contrary to popular belief, male mosquitoes don’t actually bite you; although you might think every mosquito is a threat, only the females bite humans.
The females get nutrients from blood, and those nutrients help them reproduce. Therefore, they’re the only ones who pose a threat. Without blood, the females wouldn’t have enough nutrients to produce eggs.
Is it Bad if a Mosquito Bites You?
When a female mosquito bites you, it pierces your skin and sucks out some of your blood. The mosquito’s saliva lubricates the area but also causes an allergic reaction. Typically, the saliva initiates a reaction that causes inflammation and itching. But reactions vary from minor to severe.
In any case, as you scratch at the bite, you risk developing a secondary infection. This could cause serious health issues. Unfortunately, a secondary infection isn’t the only danger of a mosquito bite. There’s a real hazard that comes from mosquito bites. Many mosquitoes carry dangerous diseases, some of which have long-lasting complications. Out of all the pests in Texas, mosquitoes are one of the most dangerous.
How Many Times Will One Mosquito Bite You?
A mosquito won’t only bite you one time. Typically, mosquitoes bite until they’re full. This means one mosquito could bite you several times before deciding she’s had enough.
Usually, there’s more than one mosquito around. If you have too many bites to count, there are probably mosquito larvae somewhere nearby. They reproduce quickly and can take over your property.
Can A Mosquito Bite Through Clothing?
One way you can prevent mosquito bites is by wearing long sleeves and pants. But a mosquito can bite through clothing, so this doesn’t offer complete protection. Their proboscis is long enough to get through most fabrics, and your skin can remain a target.
As a general rule, the tighter the clothing, the easier it is for mosquitoes to bite you. To keep mosquitoes away, you need to wear loose clothing. Spandex and other stretchy fabrics aren’t effective, so you should opt for thicker clothing types.
What Smells Do Mosquitoes Hate?
Certain smells deter mosquitoes and can work as a temporary way of protecting your family from mosquito bites. As you may already know, citronella is one of those smells. Lavender, peppermint, and lemongrass are also unappealing to mosquitoes.
If you cook with a lot of garlic, you might also notice the mosquitoes stay away from you. Other aromatic herbs, like basil, may deter mosquitoes. You can use plants, essential oils, or candles to spread those scents. However, this alone won’t be enough to keep mosquitoes away.
How Do I Stop Getting Bitten By Mosquitoes?
If you don’t want mosquitoes to bite you, there are a few things you can do. For instance, you can wear long and tightly woven clothing. You can also use a mosquito repellent spray.
It’s more important to keep mosquitoes away from your property. This means removing standing water from your property and keeping vegetation trim. Even then, mosquitoes could end up in your yard. For the best results, you need to work with a team of professionals. Contact the Innovative Pest Control Professionals for the best mosquito protection.
Categories:
- Mosquito Control,
- Mosquito Prevention
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