Do mosquitoes get under your skin? Not only are these bloodsuckers a nuisance to your home, but they have painful bites that can leave you and your guests itching for hours – or sometimes days – at a time. Eliminate the itch by knowing how to identify mosquito bites and get rid of mosquitoes from the source.

All About Bites

When mosquitoes bite an unsuspecting victim, our immune system responds to mosquito saliva to cause our skin to itch and swell around the bite. Symptoms may not appear right away, and it may take a few hours for you to notice you’ve been bitten. In some instances, mosquitoes can spread diseases like Zika virus, malaria, encephalitis and dengue fever, among other diseases.

Managing Mosquitoes

Once mosquitoes have turned your home into their breeding grounds, they can be hard to get rid of. Protect your home – and your skin – from these tiny vampires with these preventive methods:

  • Wear loose, layered clothing
  • Use approved mosquito repellants
  • Install window and door screens
  • Eliminate any pools of stagnant water
  • Keep exterior doors closed

Understanding Mosquitoes and Their Bites

Why Do Mosquito Bites Itch? Mosquito bites cause itching because our immune system reacts to mosquito saliva by releasing histamines that make the skin itch.

Symptoms of Mosquito Bites Common symptoms include itching, swelling around the bite, bleeding, and sometimes allergic reactions. In severe cases, symptoms like fever, rash, and joint or muscle pain may occur.

Duration of Symptoms Symptoms can appear immediately but often take a few hours to notice. They typically subside in a few days, although they can last longer.

Treating Mosquito Bites Apply a cold compress or calamine lotion to the affected areas to reduce swelling. Mild antihistamines can relieve itching.

Health Risks of Mosquito Bites Mosquito bites can sometimes lead to serious health issues. Mosquitoes are known vectors for diseases such as Zika virus, malaria, encephalitis, yellow fever, and dengue fever. If you experience severe symptoms after a bite, see a physician immediately.

Mosquitoes in Canada

Species and Distribution Canada is home to 74 mosquito species, with 60 known to bite humans and other animals. Aedes mosquitoes are particularly troublesome and can transmit diseases like Zika and dengue fever, although these transmissions are rare within Canada.

Preventing Mosquitoes

What Attracts Mosquitoes?

  • Heat: Mosquitoes are attracted to body heat from humans and animals.
  • Moisture: Standing water sources are ideal breeding grounds.
  • Smells: Exhaled gases like CO2 and other odors attract mosquitoes.

Preventive Measures

  • Wear Loose, Layered Clothing: To reduce skin exposure.
  • Use Approved Repellents: Apply when necessary to keep mosquitoes at bay.
  • Replace Outdoor Lights: Use yellow “bug” lights to deter mosquitoes.
  • Eliminate Entry Points: Install window and door screens, keep doors closed, and seal around air conditioning units.
  • Remove Breeding Grounds: Clear debris from gutters, remove standing water, change water in bird baths and wading pools regularly, and keep pool water treated and circulating.

By following these preventive measures and understanding more about mosquitoes, you can reduce their presence and impact on your property.

Mosquito 101

Don’t let mosquitoes suck up the fun in your home. Download this guide or talk to your pest control specialist to learn how you can shield your space from becoming a mosquito playground.