We all know the feeling well; itchy skin, raised marks, and red bumps remain on the skin for several days. If you live anywhere in or near Atlanta, you’ve probably experienced a mosquito bite at least once in your life. Despite their small size, mosquitoes cause an extreme amount of discomfort to both people and pets. These 1/4-inch insects can appear in many environments, from commercial lawns and residential gardens to lakeside parks.
There are at least 63 species of mosquito common to Georgia, with only 10 or 12 being dangerous to humans. Although all mosquitoes have slightly different characteristics, they share some of the same physical attributes:
- Mosquitoes make a loud buzzing sound while in flight.
- Mosquitoes have six legs and a sharp proboscis for feeding.
- Mosquitoes often appear yellow, gray, or striped in appearance.
Bites are a common side effect of the mosquito’s presence. It is caused after a mosquito injects a numbing agent into the skin, allowing them to feed without being disturbed. As the mosquito flies away, human skin will begin to experience a histamine reaction and swell to protect itself. Most mosquito bites are harmless and stop itching within a few hours. However, this is not the case for all bites.
Mosquito bites have the ability to spread severe diseases, from bacteria and viruses to parasite eggs. While not every bite will lead to a medical concern, each one raises your risk factors by another unit.
How can you identify a mosquito bite from other types of biting flies or insects? By relying on these identification factors:
1. Reddish and puffy bites that seem to appear within minutes
2. Dark blotches against the skin that appear to be bruises
3. A general itch rather than pain
4. Soft rather than hard bumps
5. Bumps that spread in size over the course of a few minutes.
Preventing Mosquito Bites With Do-It-Yourself (DIY) Remedies
Reducing your risks for a mosquito bite begins with reducing the presence of mosquito activity on the lawn.
- Spray yourself down with an effective repellent, particularly one that is safe for human skin. Tuck your pants into your socks for added protection, and be sure to cover areas of exposed skin with loose or baggy clothing.
- Scientists have discovered that people who wear lighter-colored clothing avoid mosquito bites more than those who wear darker clothing. If possible, consider wearing pastels, grays, or bright colors while spending time outdoors.
- Avoid going outside at certain times of the day. Mosquitoes are most active during the dawn and dusk hours and increase their frequency of bites during those hours. Choose to venture outside in the middle of the day or at night.
- Standing water is one of the biggest attractant factors for mosquito populations. Remove as much water as you can, keeping a heavy focus on birdbaths, fountains, and potholes.
DIY techniques are rarely enough to prevent large mosquito infestations from biting you or your loved ones. This is why turning to professional control is the safest and most efficient pest control option for homeowners in Atlanta.
Tuxedo Mosquito Control Is The Best Way To Stop Unwanted Mosquito Bites
Tuxedo Mosquito Control is proud to offer stellar mosquito management services like mosquito misting and mosquito spraying for homeowners all over Atlanta. We provide management tactics and abatement solutions for every household and work together to create a lawn you can be proud of. Don't let pests keep you from enjoying your yard. Contact Tuxedo Mosquito Control to inquire about a free estimate today.