Mosquito bites are an annoyance, and you probably don't need anyone to tell you that. But most people don't think much about what happens when a mosquito does bite them, besides thinking of how much it itches. Learn more about what happens when Atlanta mosquitoes bite and why you should be concerned.
Are All Mosquitoes Bad?
Although most people lump all mosquitoes together, they aren't all bad. In fact, the males won't do anything to harm you. They feed on nectar and don't have any reason to bite humans. However, the females are another story. Female mosquitoes need blood to reproduce, and they get that blood from humans.
So, how does this need for blood leave you with an itchy welt? It's not complicated, but the process of a mosquito bite is one that most people don't understand. Although knowing what happens won't make the itch go away, it will shed some more insight into what it is that makes mosquitoes so annoying and dangerous.
Why You Get An Itchy Welt
There's no need to spend time wondering what happens when a female mosquito bites you. First, the female mosquito injects her proboscis into your skin. Although your skin is tough, the proboscis is thin enough to go right through it. Even if you have clothing on, the proboscis could go through it.
After a female mosquito penetrates your skin, she injects you with saliva and sucks your blood. The saliva is a foreign object and your body attacks it, which is why most mosquito bites result in a welt. Some people have harsher reactions than others and have golf ball-sized welts. If you have an allergy to mosquito saliva, every bite could result in serious discomfort.
There's another often-overlooked thing that occurs when a mosquito bites you. Depending on the mosquito, a disease could be transmitted to you. Not all mosquitoes carry diseases, but many do. And they can carry diseases that range from minor effects to fatal effects. If you're bit by an Atlanta mosquito, you could become sick with Zika, West Nile, and Saint Louis encephalitis.
Because mosquitoes in Atlanta can transmit deadly diseases, they're considered the world's most dangerous animal. It's crucial to take steps to keep mosquitoes from invading your home or property.
Mosquito Prevention Tips For Residents In Atlanta
To avoid mosquito bites, you should take a few measures to make your property less appealing to mosquitoes. The first thing you should do is find a way to make standing water disappear. If there are puddles on your property, consider why they are there. Is there an issue with your drainage or a problem with your gutters? Look for pots turned upside down and empty dog dishes because those can also accumulate water.
Mosquitoes breed in standing water, so eliminating standing water is one of the best ways to keep these pests away from your property. Another useful tip is to trim your vegetation. Although you might like thick bushes and grasses, they can attract mosquitoes. If you don't want to keep them trimmed and tidy, move your vegetation away from your home.
The most effective form of mosquito prevention is to work with an expert. Here at Tuxedo Mosquito Control, our professionals know what it takes to keep mosquitoes from taking over Atlanta homes and businesses. We've spent years studying mosquito behavior and have the right tools for the job.
When you reach out to us, you get peace of mind. Our friendly team provides ongoing support, and we're always ready to help. If you want to learn more or get started with mosquito prevention, call us today.