Mosquitoes have plagued us ever since humans have inhabited the planet and have lived on Earth many thousands of years before we arrived. They are here to stay. In case you’re wondering how mosquitoes do their dirty work, following are 10 facts about mosquito bites.
- Mosquitoes don’t actually bite. They pierce your skin like a needle.
- A mosquito deploys sophisticated heat sensors on its antennae and mouth which locate the victim’s capillaries.
- The mosquito pierces your skin with its needle-like proboscis to enter the bloodstream.
- The proboscis of the mosquito has two points – one injects saliva into the victim, the other draws in blood. The purpose of the saliva is two-fold: it contains enzymes that thin the blood so it won’t clot. It also has enzymes that work as a mild painkiller so the prey doesn’t notice it’s been attacked.
- The red, itchy little mound that appears on your skin is caused by your body’s allergic reaction to the invasion of the mosquito’s toxin.
- When your body detects the presence of the mosquito’s enzymes the human immune system takes action by producing histamine.
- Some people have little reaction to mosquitos, having developed a degree of immunity, perhaps from repeated exposure. Others have increasingly more severe reactions with subsequent bites.
- Children are particularly sensitive to allergic reactions from mosquito bites.
- Extremely severe reactions to mosquito bites are rare. However, major swelling can occur in some cases. Some people have even suffered from anaphylaxis, a dangerous reaction that can restrict breathing. (Source: MoquitoWorld.net)
- When you notice a mosquito bite you should treat it with Bite Helper ™ to relieve the itching and discomfort. If Bite Helper™ isn’t readily available, calamine lotion, ice packs, ibuprofen or hydrocortisone creme might help. An over-the-counter antihistamine such as Benadryl can also relieve itching.