Discover Why Mosquito Bites Itch and How to Stop It

Mosquito Bites, photo

Do mosquito bites itch? Yes, mosquito bites itch because of the saliva that the mosquito injects into your skin. This saliva contains an anti-coagulant that keeps your blood flowing while the mosquito is feeding. Unfortunately, this also causes the bite to itch. In this blog post, we will discuss why mosquito bites itch and how you can stop the itching.

What happens when a mosquito bites you?

When a mosquito bites, it can cause more than just an uncomfortable itch. As its saliva enters the skin, it can spread a variety of viruses and bacteria that could cause serious illnesses. In particular, mosquitoes are notorious carriers of malaria, which is still prevalent in certain parts of the world. It is important to take all necessary precautions to avoid getting bitten by a mosquito whenever you are in an unfamiliar area or if they pose a risk in your own environment.

Why do mosquito bites itch and swell?

Millions of people are affected by mosquito bites each year and while the experience can vary from person to person, the cause of the discomfort remains largely the same. When a mosquito bites, it injects a tiny amount of its saliva that contains anticoagulant and certain proteins. These proteins are seen by the body as foreign substances and trigger an immune response in which histamine is released into the area around the bite. Histamine is what causes itching, inflammation, and swelling.

Those who have not been bitten previously may not feel any reaction at all as their body has yet to develop an immune response to the foreign invader. Similarly, some individuals may build up a tolerance over time which reduces their sensitivity to mosquito bites. However, for many people, each bite brings an uncomfortable itchy sensation that can last for days or even weeks depending on how severe it is and how quickly it gets treated.

Why is it a bad idea to scratch mosquito bites?

Scratching mosquito bites can increase inflammation and redness, leading to further skin irritation. Bacteria from your nails and fingers can also be transferred onto the bite, potentially increasing your risk of developing an infection.

Furthermore, scratching a bite can cause it to become itchy and the urge to scratch will get worse until it is scratched again. This cycle may last for days or even weeks, leading to excessive dryness and flakey skin around the bite.

Therefore, it's a good idea to resist the temptation of scratching away mosquito bites as this could further irritate your skin and make matters worse. Instead, try using anti-itch creams or natural remedies such as aloe vera gel to reduce inflammation and ease any discomfort caused by the bite.

How to stop the itch from mosquito bites?

Cold Compress or Ice Pack

Applying a cold compress or an ice pack to the affected area is a great way to reduce swelling and numb the area, thus reducing the itch. Make sure that you wrap the ice in a cloth or towel so as not to cause any further irritation.

Applying heat

Mosquito bites are incredibly itchy and cause discomfort. Fortunately, there is a fast and easy way to reduce inflammation and lessen the itching – applying heat. You can use a plain metal spoon heated up under hot running water or a heat pack directly on the bite and hold it there for around 10 minutes. This should lead to a fast reduction of symptoms and help rid you of the itch.

Own saliva

When it comes to relieving mosquito bite itch, people often turn to their own saliva. After all, your spit has tissue-repairing properties as well as antibacterial effects. This helps to reduce the itching caused by a mosquito bite. Additionally, saliva can provide moistness which soothes the skin around the area and brings much-needed relief. If nothing else is at hand, then don’t be afraid to try the method of applying your own saliva onto the itchy spot as it is sure to offer some relief!

Aloe Vera

Applying Aloe Vera gel can offer excellent relief for mosquito bites. It is easy to find and most people have access to the plant or have it stocked in their medicine cabinet. Scientific studies have confirmed its effectiveness in reducing inflammation and providing second-degree burn relief. Moreover, the cool feeling of Aloe Vera on the skin can help reduce an allergic reaction, as well as help eliminate any itchiness created by the bite itself.

Mosquito Bites, photo 2

Tips on how to avoid mosquito bites

  • Use a mosquito trap

One of the best ways to avoid mosquito traps is to use mosquito repellent. There are several different mosquito traps available on the market, so be sure to choose one that is right for you.

Do you enjoy spending time outdoors, with family and friends, and surrounded by nature? You don't want to worry about pesky mosquitos ruining your get-togethers. With the EnviroBug Heavy Duty Outdoor Mosquito Mozzie Trap, you won't have to! This powerful product will effectively attract and trap mosquitos across your entire property using a unique; no zapping, poisons, or sprays system that is both safe and easy to use. It's radiation-free, without toxicity or chemicals -- meaning babies, toddlers or family pets can also enjoy some peace of mind along with you. Now up to 1000 square meters can be protected from those annoying pests, allowing you plenty of space for BBQ’s and fun activities at home. Enjoy the great outdoors in safety again with the EnviroBug Heavy Duty Outdoor Mosquito Mozzie Trap.

  • Wear long sleeves and pants

Another way to avoid mosquito bites is to wear long sleeves and pants when you are outdoors. This will help to protect your skin from being exposed to mosquitoes. If you are going to be in an area where there are a lot of mosquitoes, you may also want to consider wearing a mosquito net over your head.

  • Stay indoors during peak mosquito hours

Mosquitoes are most active during dawn and dusk, so it is best to stay indoors during these times. If you must go outside, be sure to wear long sleeves and pants and apply mosquito repellent liberally.

  • Remove standing water from your property

Mosquitoes lay their eggs in standing water, so it is important to remove any standing water from your property. This includes things like birdbaths, kiddie pools, and potted plants. Be sure to empty out any containers that may have collected rainwater as well.

Conclusion

In conclusion, we have learned that mosquito bites itch and swell because of an immune response to the saliva injected by the mosquito. Scratching only makes it worse because it can break the skin and introduce bacteria. The best way to stop the itch is to use a cold compress or take an antihistamine. And finally, some tips on how to avoid being bitten in the first place include using insect repellent and wearing long sleeves and pants when outside. Try these methods next time you are outside during peak mosquito season.

FAQs:

Generally, most mosquito bites itch for 3 or 4 days and any redness or pinkness will linger in the same time frame. The swelling typically stays for up to 7 days and if you have been bitten on the upper face, try to avoid harsh expressions as this could cause severe swelling near the eye area.

Studies show that most people find they experience itching more intensely at night due to our higher cortisol levels, or the body's own anti-inflammatory hormone, in the morning. Additionally, when we're getting sleepy and aren't as distracted by our day-to-day activities, small itches become amplified and more insistent, not allowing us to focus on anything else until they have been scratched away.

Yes, scratching mosquito bites can make them worse. Scratching can break the skin and also introduce bacteria, which may lead to an infection. It is better to use a cold compress or take an antihistamine to relieve the itching sensation.

EnviroBug blog and resources

You may be interested in...

Products

sale
EnviroBug Powerful Solar Snake Repellers (8th Generation)
EnviroBug Powerful Solar Snake Repellers (8th Generation) from $98.00 $110.00
The Original Since 2008 - Now in its 8th Generation. Don't compromise when it comes to protecting your family & pets from deadly snakes EnviroBug offers the strongest, most effective, most solar-powered snake repellers you can buy to protect you from deadly Australian ground snakes. EnviroBug revolutionised your family's protection when we launched the original snake repeller in Australia 16 long years ago. We continually improve our products - our 8th generation repellers are more reliable and more adaptable than ever before. Proven Effectiveness: EnviroBug's repellers are recognised as the most powerful and reliable solar snake repellers in the market. Will operate for up to 10 days without sun, ensuring protection even on overcast days and at night. They provide superior protection for your family and pets by effectively keeping deadly ground snakes at a distance. Prevention Over Cure: With 80% of snake bites occurring during human intervention, EnviroBug's approach focuses on prevention. By keeping snakes away, the risk of accidental encounters, bites, or confrontations is significantly reduced, ensuring safer outdoor spaces. Advanced Vibration Technology: The EnviroBug solar snake repeller employs a powerful vibrating motor that emits variable vibration frequencies, covering a wider area more effectively. This technology not only ensures a broader protective barrier but also adapts to prevent snakes from getting accustomed to the vibrations. Established Track Record: Thousands of customers have trusted EnviroBug's solar snake repellers over more than 16 years, using them to maintain snake-free properties in the harshest Australian conditions. This long-term, widespread customer satisfaction underscores our repellers' powerful track record of keeping venomous snakes at bay. *We have received numerous reports of duped EnviroBug snake repellers - make sure you are buying the genuine article, even if they look similar! Note: Ultrasonic repellers are not effective against snakes! Be safe out there.*
sale
Termite Ninja - DIY Complete Eradication Kit - Envirobug
Termite Ninja - Ultimate DIY Termite Eradication System from $297.00 $891.00
Termite Ninja - Safe, Effective, Affordable Protection. Designed to give you professional-grade termite prevention and treatment, EnviroBug TermiteNinja bait traps can be installed by you in minutes – and will save you thousands of dollars in the process. Our customers love this product so much that we have never had a kit returned. Why TermiteNinja? Get professional grade protection – but save 80% to 90% vs. paying an exterminator (Save over $4,000 for a large house) Don’t get locked into an ‘inspection’ cost (save $900 every year!) – there is no cost to monitor for termites with our system Install yourself in minutes – no need to pay a professional No nasty chemicals – safe for you, safe for kids and pets - BUT JUST AS DEADLY TO TERMITES Simple to visually inspect (no touching) Don’t pay absurd markups for inferior/poisonous products It is the only system that allows you to directly install termite bait stations to monitor and treat termites anywhere – not just on the ground. Treat termites on walls Treat termites on the ground Treat termites in the ground Treat termites on stumps and patios They can even be painted to match your house! The termite bait is applied directly onto the spot where termites are active; no guessing, hoping or approximation Our system directly targets the queen (like a Ninja!) – her trusty soldiers carry the treatment back to the nest and once she dies, this will trigger a colony collapse. Why choose EnviroBug DIY Termite Ninja Multi-Purpose Termite Control Monitor & Bait stations compared with others?   The flexibility of Termite Ninja Monitor & Bait Traps compared with other traps:        What you get with your EnviroBug DIY termite Ninja monitor and bait system: Everything you need to monitor, attract and kill. You get your selected number of termite Ninja multi-purpose bait traps combo complete with all the components ready to assemble and position ready to go to work. You also receive a full complement of termite attractants and termite killer baits. You can buy additional baits and Killer Bait Powder Treatments separately on our website as needed in the future. Immediately following purchase you will receive, by email, our step by step guide to help you identify the best places to install, and how to treat termites, as well as videos to ensure your system is set up quickly and easily. There are pack sizes to suit all of your needs.Our system allows you to carry out your own regular termite inspections looking for telltale signs of termite activity inside the bait stations. It is still advisable to arrange an annual termite inspection with a timber pest controller as they will have electronic sensing devices to identify damp spots, etc. where termites may be likely to target. Product Features: Multi-purpose termite control boxes for multiple uses. Reusable tough ABS plastic control box traps will last you years and years. Generous supply of specially prepared termite timber bait. Clear indicator viewing window for ease of monitoring. Innovative box stacking system allows you to apply the killer bait without scaring termites out of an affected trap. Ant proof design prevents normal ants colonising the box. The killer bait uses the active ingredient IGR chemical chlorfluazuron at the rate of 1% per kg of pure cellulose - completely harmless to humans and animals.
sale
Stealthy 360 Degree Ultrasonic Pest Repeller - Envirobug
Stealthy 360 Degree Ultrasonic Pest Repeller from $55.00 $79.99
EnviroBug is proud to introduce our hassle-free, highly effective and contactless rodent repeller.  Superior to rodent traps and poisons, our device safely repels mice, rats and other pests in the home using state-of-the-art ultrasonic sound waves that only small pests can hear. After all, the best solution to pest problems is to prevent them in the first place! Mice, rats and other vermin are attracted to homes and sheds as they offer a dry and warm environment with easy access to food and water and plenty of nesting material. Prevent pests before they set up house and avoid the horror (and smell) of having them die in hard to get to places like in walls, behind furniture, fridges and stoves.  Features: Silent operation Up to 370 square metre effective range Operation light indicator Test switch Low power cost power usage 12-month full replacement warranty Completely safe for cats & dogs
sale
Mighty Plug-in Ultrasonic Pest Repeller - Envirobug
Mighty Plug-in Ultrasonic Pest Repeller from $29.00 $89.00
Plug and Go - No Poisons! A low cost, hassle-free, highly effective and contactless means of repelling vermin from areas you want keep vermin free.  Safely repels mice, rats and other pests in the home using state-of-the-art ultrasonic sound waves that only small pests can hear. The best solution to pest problems is to prevent them in the first place! Mice, rats and other vermin are attracted to homes and sheds as they offer the ideal environment with dry, warm, easy access to food and water, plus plenty of nesting material. Prevent pests before they set up house and avoid the horror of having them die in hard to get to places like in walls, behind furniture, fridges and stoves. Avoid using poisons, rat and mouse traps or electronic traps to kill pests. No offensive or embarrassing smell of rotting rodent bodies that can last for weeks.  Simply plug in the EnviroBug Ultrasonic Pest Repeller into your wall socket and it begins to emit high electronic frequencies, inaudible to the human ear. It is highly irritating to vermin and stops them from settling in – but guaranteed not to bother your pets. How do they work? The Ultrasonic Pest Repeller is highly effective against rats, mice, and other pests by producing an ultrasonic signal above the audible range of the human ear. It irritates rodents and other pests, making it uncomfortable for them to remain in the protected area. The repellers operate off a standard 240V Australian power socket.  The repeller can cover up to 120 square metres in an open unobstructed area (we recommend installing more than one in larger rooms, or if the range of signal is impeded by large objects. Where should I use them?The clearer the area is of solid objects, the further the ultrasonic frequencies will penetrate. Vermin prefer anywhere food sources are available. Kitchens and pantries are critical places to install the repellers, followed by storage or box rooms, sheds, garages and other places that provide ideal nesting materials and places to make a home for themselves. Features: Completely safe for cats & dogs Silent operation Works by continuously transmitting a powerful range of ultrasonic sound waves that drives away pests Non-toxic and harmless to humans and pets, an alternative to toxic chemicals and dangerous traps Just plug in the socket, easy and convenient for use 80-120 square metre effective range Operation light indicator (doubles as a night light) Low power cost power usage, suitable for long-term operation. Does not interfere with the operation of radio, television or other electronic equipment. Safe, environmentally-friendly, effective protection to help eliminate common household pests 12-month full replacement warranty While these repellers are designed specifically to repel mice, rats and other rodents, customers have also had success keeping away a range of other small creatures including bugs, ants, cockroaches, mosquitoes and spiders. Please note: it's normal for pest activity to increase slightly after installation, as they are disturbed and looking for somewhere else to live. They will shortly go away! They are safe for use around cats and dogs and generally the frequency will not affect them at all.

Designed for Australian Conditions

Eco-friendly

No poisons

12 month warranty

30 Day

satisfaction guarantee

Afterpay American Express Apple Pay Bitcoin Google Pay Shop Pay Visa PayPal Mastercard