Mosquitoes

(Control, Prevention & Treatment of Bites)

Mosquitoes are two winged, blood sucking insects in the family Culicidae.  They can be a serious vector of diseases such as; Ross River Fever, Dengue Fever, Malaria, Yellow Fever, to name a few.

While both male & female mosquitoes feed on plant nectar, only the female feeds on blood, which is needed to help her produce eggs. Mosquitoes are a common problem in the warm summer months and may be found year round in tropical climates. They are active from dusk to dawn, and females are attracted to us by the carbon dioxide exhaled as we breathe.

Mosquito bites:

Technically, a mosquito doesn't bite, she pierces the skin with a needle like nose called a proboscis. Saliva is injected into the skin which contains a local anesthetic so that the victim can't feel the bite and an anticoagulant, to keep the blood flowing.

Mosquito bite symptoms:

Common symptoms of mosquito bites include;

• Small, raised welt. This may be red or white.

• Itching.

Treating mosquito bites:

Below are some methods that can help to reduce the itchiness of a mosquito bite. They can be used individually, or together if necessary.

• Don't scratch the bite as this can lead to secondary bacterial infections.

• Apply ice to the area. This will relieve itching & help reduce swelling.

• Apply calamine lotion to the area.

• Rub soap directly onto the bite.

• There are several over the counter topical or oral antihistamine products to treat mosquito bites. Oral antihistamine may cause drowsiness.

Why do mosquito bites itch?

The annoying itch of a mosquito bite is caused by an immune response which reacts to proteins in the mosquito saliva causing localised mast cells & circulating basophils to release histamine. Histamine triggers an inflammatory response, causing fluid to leak from small blood vessels into surrounding tissue, leading to swelling and itching.

Mosquito prevention:

Prevention is always better than cure & there are several ways to reduce mosquitoes including;

• Install fine meshed fly screens on all windows and doors. Check & repair tears & rips if/when they occur.

• Eliminate standing water around the house from children's pools, plant pot trays, buckets etc.

• Wear loose fitting clothing that cover most of you (ie; long sleeved tops and pants).

• Wear light coloured clothing, mosquitoes are attracted to dark colours.

• Install an electric mosquito zapper.

Mosquito repellents:

Insect repellents are effective in repelling mosquitoes, but read the product instructions carefully as they may not be suitable for children. They will need to be re-applied at regular intervals.

• Insect sprays containing DEET (N,N-diethyl-meta-toluamide) are affective mosquito repellents when outdoors.

• Mosquito traps.

Natural mosquito repellents:

• Lemon eucalyptus oil is a natural and effective mosquito repellent.  

• Citronella products are also popular. These come in the form of candles or coils.

Also see:

Bug Bites, How To Get Rid Of Fruit Flies, How To Get Rid Of Gnats & Midges, Mosquito Bites