Do Mosquitoes Bite?
Mosquitoes are most known for their biting habits. Mosquitoes don’t only bite humans, but also small birds and mammals. Female mosquitoes use their proboscis to pierce skin and feed on blood. These bites can cause marks and rashes on the skin that typically heal in a few days.
While most mosquito bites are harmless, some mosquito bites are linked to a number of transmitted diseases worldwide. Luckily, mosquito-borne diseases in Wisconsin are rare.
Why Do Mosquitoes Bite Me?
Male mosquitoes do not bite. Female mosquitoes bite in order to retrieve the nutrients within our blood. These nutrients are necessary for the development of eggs. While we refer to this activity as “biting”, in reality, the female mosquito is piercing your skin with her proboscis, almost like a needle. The proboscis contains two tubes, unlike just the one in a hypodermic syringe. One of these tubes inject saliva that contains a mix of chemicals to reduce pain, thin your blood, and prevent it from clotting. The other is used to suck up the blood. No blood is transferred back into your body during this process.
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Common Symptoms of Mosquito Bites
Mosquitoes target exposed skin, which is why bites are commonly on your legs, neck, and arms. Here’s what to expect from a mosquito bite:
- Itchy pink or red bumps will form just minutes after the mosquito pierces the skin.
- In a day or to these bumps can become redder and darken.
- The bump from a mosquito bite is less than ½ inch across.
- The most common mosquito bite symptom is itchiness. Scratching at the bites can worsen the symptoms and cause bruising or rashes.
- In rare cases, fever, severe headaches, nausea, and fatigue can be a sign of a serious problem. Always consult a medical professional when experiencing these symptoms.
Will Mosquitoes Bite My Pets?
Mosquitoes don’t just target humans. Female mosquitoes can bite your pets, including cats, dogs, and more. Cats are less likely to get bitten due to their thick coat of hair. However, they can be bitten on their nose and ears. Dogs, on the other hand, can definitely be bitten by mosquitoes. In addition to giving your pets irritating bite marks, mosquitoes can transmit diseases to animals just like they can to humans. Always take your animal to the vet if exhibiting any concerning symptoms from a mosquito bite.
Do Mosquitoes Bite? in Wisconsin
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