Outdoor enthusiasts residing in Salt Lake City, Utah, have some incredible opportunities to explore the great outdoors. Sitting in a mountain bowl 4,300 feet up awaits all forms of adventure. Canyons provide hundreds of options for biking, camping, hiking, and climbing. Water enthusiasts can head out to the Great Salt Lake for a lazy day in the sun. Regardless of the activity, outdoor enthusiasts should be aware of blood-feeding mosquitoes on the lookout for their next meal because what they leave behind is quite unpleasant.
How To Identify Mosquitoes Living In Salt Lake City
Due to their small size, individual mosquitoes are difficult to spot when they are flying. They have slender bodies that measure between 1/8 to 3/8 inches long, wings, and six thin legs. Their coloring can vary from grey to black with some exhibiting white, green, or blue markings. Only the female mosquito bites in order to get a blood meal, which allows her to reproduce. Mosquitoes' most active feeding times are from dawn to dusk.
Problems Caused By Mosquito Bites
Female mosquitoes have tube-like mouthparts that will pierce the skin of a host to feed. The protein and iron in the blood allow the female mosquito to produce eggs. When it bites, a female mosquito injects saliva into a host. Most people will have a mild allergic reaction to this saliva; others may react more strongly. In these instances, a large area of swelling, soreness, and redness can develop.
The Secret To Soothing A Mosquito Bite
Mosquito bites are inevitable. Most people experience a reaction that causes some crazy itching. Thankfully, there are some suggestions people can heed that may minimize itching and redness.
Four ways to soothe a mosquito bite include:
- Wash the bite area with soap and water.
- Apply an ice pack on the bite for 10 minutes to help reduce swelling and itching (reapply as needed).
- Applying a mixture of baking soda and water can reduce itching. Use one tablespoon baking soda with just enough water to create a paste, wait 10 minutes, then rinse.
- Apply a topical over-the-counter anti-itch or antihistamine cream to help relieve itching.
These methods can help minimize itching and discomfort but none beat avoiding a mosquito bite in the first place.
Dangers Of Mosquitoes And Prevention Recommendations
While it is hard to do, DO NOT scratch mosquito bites; they can become infected. Scratching opens the wound and exposes you to the possibility of infection.
Signs to watch for that indicate possible infection include:
- The bite area becomes red.
- The bite area is warm when touched.
- A red streak spreads outward from the bite.
Mosquitoes are the most dangerous flying insect in the world because they are vectors (transmitters) of diseases. When they bite, they spread germs to people and other animals. These germs can be viruses or parasites that can make you sick. Not every mosquito that bites transmits diseases; however, it is wise to be aware of symptoms that may indicate a bigger problem than an infected bite.
Severe symptoms from mosquito bites that require medical attention include:
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Severe headache
- Fever
- Confusion
- Rash
- Fatigue
- Light sensitivity
- Muscle weakness on one side of the body
If you experience these symptoms following a mosquito bite it is important to seek immediate medical care.
White Knight Pest Control takes pride in our name. We do everything in our power to ensure your well-being and mosquitoes threaten your health. Service is our life! We are committed to protecting your home and business from pest infestations. Call us today to learn more about how to keep dangerous mosquitoes away from your property.