Mosquitoes may not love our food or want to invade our homes, but they still cause issues for us with their itchy bites. When mosquitoes feed on our blood with their thin proboscis (mouth parts), they simultaneously inject their saliva into the bite area. Mosquito saliva contains numbing and anticoagulant agents that work together to thin the host’s blood in the site and feed without detection. The saliva is the entire reason why the bite itches for days afterward since our bodies have a reaction to the saliva itself. Some people are allergic to mosquito saliva and therefore experience more swelling and redness around the bites.

Mosquito saliva is not only frustrating because of the itchy feeling it gives our skin, it’s also potentially dangerous. If a mosquito bites an infected mammal, the pathogens will reproduce in the mosquito’s full gut and be ready to be transmitted to the next host through the mosquito’s saliva. Mosquitoes can only transmit bloodborne diseases since the pathogens require blood to survive. Some of the most common mosquito-transmitted diseases are malaria, Zika virus, and West Nile virus. Not every mosquito is infected, so most bites are simply itchy. But if you begin to feel flu-like symptoms after being bitten by a mosquito, please seek medical attention immediately. These diseases can all be cured with proper medical care.

The highly-trained technicians of Pointe Pest Control are dedicated to protecting Waterloo residents from pesky mosquitoes. We attack mosquito issues from all angles by using a combination of thorough inspections, targeted products, and customized treatment plans. You do not have to endure mosquito problems alone. Give us a call today for more information on our reliable mosquito treatments and to see the Pointe Difference in your Waterloo mosquito control!