Female mosquitoes bite to get protein from blood to produce eggs. They use chemical, visual, and thermal sensors to locate a blood source. Mosquitoes inject saliva when they bite, causing itching. Mosquitoes are attracted to smells and can transmit diseases, but using DEET repellents and reducing standing water can prevent bites.
Only female mosquitoes bite, although all mosquitoes live off the sugar found in plant nectar, not blood. Female mosquitoes bite to get the necessary proteins from the blood so they can produce eggs. Proteins in human and animal blood are required for the female mosquito to produce fertile eggs; since males cannot produce eggs they do not need blood. Females require a new blood “meal” for each nest they lay and produce around 250 eggs per meal.
How mosquitoes find sources of blood
Mosquitoes have evolved over 30 million years and have developed an impressive array of sensory receptors. They possess chemical, visual, and thermal sensors, all designed to focus on a blood source.
Chemical sensory receptors are found on the antennae, which allow mosquitoes to detect carbon dioxide. All mammals emit carbon dioxide, including humans; the gas is expelled through the skin and is exhaled with each breath. A mosquito can detect this smell from 100 meters away.
How mosquitoes bite
Female mosquitoes, unlike males, have a proboscis, which is a long, thin, needle-like syringe located in the mouth. This syringe allows the female mosquito to pierce her victim and fill her abdomen with the victim’s blood. At the same time, when mosquitoes bite, they inject a small amount of saliva that thins the incoming blood so it doesn’t clot in the narrow channel of the proboscis.
When a mosquito has finished feeding, some of its saliva remains in the wound and causes an immune system response, often resulting in itching. A bruise, known as a wheal, forms, and the body gets to work breaking down the proteins in the saliva. The bite will continue to itch until the body has broken down all the protein, which generally takes 24 hours, but can vary by person. Some oral medications, such as Benadryl, and various skin ointments, such as calamine lotion, are known to help reduce itching caused by mosquito bites. The Internet also offers a number of home remedies for mosquito bites.
Who do mosquitoes bite?
Unfortunately, some people get bitten by mosquitoes more often than others. While scientists have yet to pinpoint exactly why mosquitoes bite specific people, there are a few well-known factors that play a role: they emit large amounts of carbon dioxide; wearing deodorant, perfume, cologne, or lotion; be out at dusk; and wearing dark colored clothes. Overall, mosquitoes are attracted to smells, which often means more mosquito bites.
How to prevent mosquito bites
Mosquitoes can transmit diseases that can be transmitted to humans through their bite, some of which are malaria, encephalitis, West Nile virus, yellow fever and dengue fever; Insect repellents containing the active ingredient DEET reduce the chance of catching a disease. Repellents work by confusing the mosquito’s chemical receptors so they can’t focus on the source of the carbon dioxide.
When DEET is used according to label instructions, it generally does not cause health problems; however, serious side effects, such as headaches and weakness, may occur if the product is used improperly. Some health professionals urge people to use DEET sparingly, avoid using it on children, and never use it on infants, as the skin of young children and infants absorbs chemicals more easily which can lead to side effects. DEET repellents are very popular and can be purchased in most drug stores, outdoor stores and on the internet.
Reducing the mosquito population naturally prevents mosquito bites and can be done by preventing standing water from collecting: Flower pots, trash can lids, and anything deep enough to collect a pool of water can be breeding grounds for mosquitoes. Birdbaths without a fountain or any other necessary standing water should be hosed down every few days, while mosquito larvae found in ponds are often eaten by fish. Some outdoor products, such as candles and tiki torches, also contain mosquito repellent to deter insects.
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