Why Do Mosquitoes Bite More Than Once?
WouterAmong the mosquito-related diseases are yellow fever and West Nile virus. Some species of mosquitoes also transmit malaria.
There are 180 species of mosquito in North America. Some of these species lay eggs, but most only bite once. These biting mosquitoes are more active in the early morning or before sunset. They can find you using a variety of attractants.
When they locate a host, they smell carbon dioxide in the breath. This enables them to find and pierce the skin with a long, needle-like proboscis. They secrete saliva into the bloodstream, which causes the bumps you’ll see after the bite.
The bite is the first of several signs of an infection. Symptoms may include redness, warmth, and swelling. You should seek medical attention if you’re not feeling better within a few days.
Some people are allergic to mosquitoes, and may have a severe reaction to their bites. If this is the case, your doctor can give you medication to help relieve the pain and itching.
The best way to avoid being bitten is to wear long sleeves, pants, and shoes. This will make the mosquitoes a little less interested. Similarly, pregnant women should wear pants, as they increase their body temperature.
If you’ve been bitten by a female mosquito, it’s not unusual to notice swelling. You can treat the swelling by placing an ice pack on the affected area for 10 minutes. Aside from the swelling, you should also watch for itching and bleeding.
