Mosquitoes

What is a Mosquito?

Mosquitoes are a flying insect found in various parts of the world, with more than 3,700 types existing globally. However, we’re just concerned about our local Texas at the moment. Not every mosquito bites humans or animals, but when they do, the usual reactions include itching and swelling.

Some mosquitoes act as vectors, meaning they can spread germs like viruses and parasites to people and animals. This transmission can lead to illnesses. On the other hand, certain mosquitoes, known as nuisance mosquitoes, may bite without spreading any germs.

Important Facts About Mosquitoes

• Mosquitoes are capable of biting during both day and night.
• Only female mosquitoes bite humans and animals to obtain a blood meal necessary for egg production.
• Adult mosquitoes can be found both indoors and outdoors.
• The lifespan of adult mosquitoes ranges from 2 to 4 weeks, depending on factors such as species, humidity, temperature, and others. Female mosquitoes generally live longer than males.
• Mosquitoes become carriers of germs when they bite infected individuals.
• Just a few disease infected mosquitoes can initiate an outbreak in a community, posing a risk of illness to you and your family.

Over 195 different types of mosquitoes live in the United States. Out of these, more than 10 have the potential to spread germs that can cause illnesses in humans. Some mosquitoes, however, are just a nuisance and not deadly. Since we don’t know which ones are deadly when they bite, it’s best to just stay protected.

Certain Mosquitoes Transmit Germs

Only specific types of mosquitoes have the ability to transmit germs, including viruses and parasites, to humans and animals. One of the most common mosquito-borne diseases in the continental United States is West Nile virus. Outbreaks of diseases such as Dengue, Chikungunya, and Zika virus have occurred in the U.S. including Florida, Hawaii, and Texas.

Malaria, once prevalent in the United States until the 20th century, is associated with Anopheles mosquitoes, found in most parts of the continental United States. Although local mosquito-borne transmission has resulted in less than 200 cases and 50-60 actual outbreaks in the past 50 years, the majority of reported malaria cases in the U.S. now occur in travelers returning from affected regions, with over 2,000 cases reported annually. Texas is an affected region.

How Mosquitoes Become Infected

The process for a mosquito to become infected with a germ and then transmit it to humans or animals is quite amazing:

1. A mosquito feeds on the blood of a person or animal.
2. If the blood contains a germ, it must pass from the mosquito’s gut into its body. Not all germs can be transmitted by mosquitoes; only those that can grow or multiply in the mosquito’s body.
3. The germ multiplies within the mosquito’s body, moving from the body to the salivary glands, where saliva is produced. This process typically takes 2-3 weeks.
4. When the mosquito bites another person or animal, the germ is transferred from the salivary glands into their blood.
5. The bitten person or animal may then become ill.

The mosquito’s ability to become infected and spread a germ depends on factors such as the type of germ, environmental conditions like temperature, the quantity of the germ ingested during a blood meal, and the mosquito’s age. In the United States, the most common types of mosquitoes capable of spreading germs include Aedes species mosquitoes, Culex species mosquitoes, and Anopheles species mosquitoes.

Where Do Mosquitoes Live In The U.S.?

Mosquitoes are found in various parts of the U.S., mainly the Southern United States.

Habitats

Mosquitoes have diverse living preferences. Some prefer residing close to human habitats, while others choose forests, marshes, or tall grasses. Regardless of their location, all mosquitoes have a common affinity for water because their larvae and pupae develop in stagnant or slow-flowing water.

Different types of water attract different mosquito species

Permanent water mosquitoes:

• These mosquitoes typically lay their eggs in bodies of water that are permanent or semi-permanent.
• Some mosquitoes favor clean water, while others thrive in nutrient-rich waters.
• Certain mosquitoes lay eggs near lake and pond edges, among plants in swamps and marshes, or in containers retaining water.

Floodwater mosquitoes:

• These mosquitoes lay eggs in damp soil or containers above the water line. The eggs desiccate (dry out), and hatch when rain inundates the soil or container.
• Floodwater habitats are:

1. Temporary pools and ponds formed by melting snow or rain.
2. Floodplains along stream and riverbanks.
3. Irrigated fields and meadows.
4. Containers that accumulate water after a rainfall.
5. Tree holes that gather rainwater.

Mosquito Bite Symptoms and Treatment

Female mosquitoes bite both people and animals to obtain a blood meal, as they usually require it for egg production. It’s important to note that male mosquitoes do not engage in biting.

What Happens When a Mosquito “Bites” You

We have to first understand that it’s not a bite as we understand the word “bite”. When a mosquito bites, it pierces the skin using its special mouthpart (proboscis) to draw blood. Simultaneously, it injects saliva into your skin, triggering a reaction in your body. This reaction results in a raised bump and itching, with the severity of the response varying from person to person. The saliva is also a numbing agent, so you don’t feel the attack.

Symptoms

Mosquito bite symptoms can manifest as:

• A swollen and reddish bump emerging shortly after the bite.
• A firm, itchy, reddish-brown bump or multiple bumps appearing a day or so later.
• Formation of small blisters instead of hard bumps.
• Presence of dark spots resembling bruises.

More severe reactions may occur in:

• Children.
• Adults bitten by a mosquito species they haven’t encountered before.
• Individuals with immune system disorders.

People experiencing stronger reactions might exhibit signs such as:

• Extensive swelling and redness.
• Low-grade fever.
• Hives.
• Swollen lymph nodes.

Treatment

To alleviate mosquito bite symptoms, consider the following:

• Wash the affected area with soap and water.
• Apply an ice pack for 10 minutes to reduce swelling and itching; repeat as necessary.
• Employ over-the-counter anti-itch or antihistamine creams.
• Utilize a mixture of baking soda and water to alleviate itching:

1. Combine 1 tablespoon of baking soda with enough water to form a paste.
2. Apply the paste to the mosquito bite.
3. Wait 10 minutes before washing off the paste.

Complications

Infected bite

• Refrain from scratching bites, as they can become infected.
• An infected bite may be red, warm, or a spreading red streak.
• Seek medical attention if symptoms worsen.

Preventing Mosquito Bites

 

Safeguard Yourself and Your Family Against Mosquito Bites:

Most importantly set up a regular mosquito control program with our knowledgeable office manager. A well-trained technician will bring a powerful mister/blower to your property and apply a mosquito eradication product. We service homes in Rockwall, Rowlett, Forney, Terrell, Royse City, Fate, and more.

Use Insect Repellent

Employ insect repellents registered with the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) containing one of the following active ingredients. When used correctly, EPA-registered insect repellents are proven to be safe and effective, even for pregnant and breastfeeding women.

• DEET
• Picaridin
• IR3535
• Oil of lemon eucalyptus
• Para-menthane-diol
• 2-undecanone

Discover the most suitable insect repellent for you by utilizing the EPA’s search tool.

Tips for Babies and Children

• Dress your child in clothing that covers their arms and legs.
• Cover strollers and baby carriers with mosquito netting.
• When using insect repellent on your child:
• Apply insect repellent to your hands first and then to a child’s face
• Avoid using products containing oil of lemon eucalyptus (OLE) or para-menthane-diol (PMD) on children under 3 years old.
• Refrain from applying insect repellent to a child’s hands, eyes, mouth, cuts, or irritated skin.

Tips for Everyone

• Reapply insect repellent as instructed.
• Avoid applying repellent on the skin beneath clothing.
• If using sunscreen as well, apply sunscreen before insect repellent.

Natural Insect Repellents (Repellents Not Registered with EPA)

• The effectiveness of non-EPA registered insect repellents, including some natural ones, is uncertain.
• To guard against diseases transmitted by mosquitoes, the CDC and EPA recommend using an EPA-registered insect repellent.
• Opting for an EPA-registered repellent ensures that the EPA has assessed the product for effectiveness.
• Visit the EPA website for more information.

Follow these guidelines to protect yourself from mosquitoes:

• Choose loose-fitting, long-sleeved shirts and pants. Pick out clothing that covers your body to reduce exposure to mosquito bites.
• Treat clothing and gear:

1. Utilize 0.5% permethrin to treat various items like boots, pants, socks, and tents.
2. Permethrin is an insecticide effective in repelling or killing mosquitoes on clothing.
3. Clothing treated with permethrin remains protective even after multiple washings.
4. Avoid applying permethrin products directly onto the skin.

• Control mosquitoes indoors and outdoors:

1. Install screens on windows and doors, ensuring they are free of holes to keep mosquitoes outside.
2. If available, use air conditioning as an additional protective measure.
3. Prevent mosquitoes from laying eggs in or near water.
4. Weekly, empty, scrub, turn over, cover, or dispose of items that can accumulate water, such as tires, buckets, planters, toys, pools, birdbaths, flowerpots, or trash containers.
5. Regularly check for water-holding containers both inside and outside your living spaces.