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Do Mosquitoes Bite?
Yes!
If there’s one thing mosquitoes are known for, it’s biting people. But, surprisingly, it’s only female mosquitoes that feed on blood. Male mosquitoes never do. Mosquito bites cause marks and rashes on the skin. More infamously, mosquito bites are linked to a number of transmitted diseases worldwide. Luckily, mosquito-borne disease in Central TN is rare. Still, there’s nothing fun about getting bit by a mosquito.
Why Do Mosquitoes Bite Humans?
Female mosquitoes bite us for the nutrients in our blood. These nutrients are necessary for the development of eggs, which is why male mosquitoes do not bite or feed on blood. After a female mosquito bites, she is able to breed and lay eggs.
While we call it “biting”, in reality, the female mosquito is piercing your skin with her proboscis, almost like a needle. The proboscis contains two tubes. One injects saliva that contains a mix of chemicals to numb pain, thin your blood, and prevent it from clotting. The other tube sucks up the blood.
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What are the symptoms of mosquito bites?
Mosquitoes will bite any part of the skin that’s exposed. The most common mosquito bite symptoms include:
- Itchy pinkish-red bumps will form just minutes after the mosquito pierces skin.
- Over the next day or two, bumps will often darken and become redder and reach a size of up to ½” across.
- The most common mosquito bite symptom is itching. Scratching them worsens the symptoms and causes bruising or rashes.
- In rare cases, fever, severe headaches, nausea, and fatigue can be a sign of a much more serious problem. Always consult a medical professional when experiencing these symptoms.
Will Mosquitoes Bite My Pets?
Yes, mosquitoes can and will bite your pets. They prey on the blood of mammals, and even birds, too. 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 frequently become a target of mosquitoes.
In addition to giving your pets itchy bumps, mosquitoes can also transmit diseases to animals just like they can to humans.
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