Do Mosquitoes Bite?
Yes, mosquitoes bite. They do so in order to reproduce. When a bite occurs, female mosquitoes use their proboscis to pierce the skin and feed on blood. In addition to biting humans, mosquitoes can target small birds, mammals, and even your pets. Mosquito bites usually result in red, swollen bite marks on the skin.
While rare in the U.S., mosquito bites are infamous worldwide due to the fact that they’re linked to a number of transmitted diseases worldwide. Even though the diseases are rare here in Knoxville, a mosquito bite is something no one wants to deal with.
Why Do Mosquitoes Bite People?
Female mosquitoes must bite in order to retrieve the nutrients within our blood, which are necessary for the development of mosquito eggs. These nutrients are necessary for the development of eggs. So, once a female mosquito bites, she will be able to lay the 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 injects 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 inside your skin.
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Common Mosquito Bite Symptoms
Mosquitoes tend to bite people on exposed parts of their skin. Typical symptoms and signs that you were bitten by a mosquito include:
- Red to pinkish bumps that are itchy will form just minutes after the mosquito pierces the skin.
- Over the next day or two, these bumps can become redder and darken.
- Bumps from a mosquito bite are less than ½ inch across.
- The most common mosquito bite symptom is itching. Scratching at the bites can worsen the symptoms and cause bruising or rashes.
- While rare, 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?
Unfortunately, mosquitoes can indeed bite your cats or dogs. A cat is less likely to be bitten by a mosquito due to its thick coat of fur. However, they can be bitten on their nose and ears. Mosquitoes are more apt at biting dogs, often in their armpits or on their bellies. In addition to giving your pets irritating bite marks, mosquitoes can transmit diseases to animals just like they can to humans. Always take your pet to your veterinarian should they show any concerning signs of a mosquito bite.
Do Mosquitoes Bite in Knoxville TN?
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