As the temperatures rise there are many things that change. Vacation season arrives. Pools start getting used. Kids are on their summer break from school. In addition to all of these pleasant beginnings, there are a few not so pleasant things that start as well. Different insects and pests come out much more in the warmer temperatures. One of the insects that you will start to see is mosquitoes. Today A-Tex Pest Management is going to talk all about mosquitoes.
Mosquito Diseases
When you talk about mosquitoes people will typically mention a connection; mosquito bites and malaria. Let’s start by talking about malaria. Here in the United States mosquitoes do not carry malaria, but they can spread West Nile Virus. Over 80% of people that contract West Nile Virus have no symptoms. If you have a fever, body aches, headaches, vomiting, or swollen glands you may have West Nile Virus. If the symptoms worsen or increase you will want to see a doctor. Other mosquito diseases include encephalitis, dengue, yellow fever, zika virus and chikungunya. Most people do not have to worry about getting anything other than mosquito bites from these annoying insects. Mosquito bites may be annoying but they do not cause any harm unless they get infected. Thankfully infections from mosquito bites are not very common but they can happen.
How to Avoid Mosquito Bites
The good news is that there are ways to avoid mosquito bites. First, you can use insect repellent before you spend time outdoors. The Environmental Protection Agency has stated that insect repellents that contain DEET or picaridin will last longer than other products. You can also wear long-sleeve shirts and pants when you go outside to help avoid being bitten by mosquitoes.
How to Stop Mosquito Bites from Itching
If you do end up getting bitten by mosquitoes there are tons of remedies that you can try to help get rid of the itching caused by the bites. A-Tex Pest Management is going to give you a few of our favorite methods to help alleviate the itching caused by these bites.
• Wash the area thoroughly with warm water and soap.
• Put an ice pack or cold compress on the area to help reduce itching and swelling.
• You can purchase Calamine lotion or similar topical antihistamine at your local drug store to help with the itching.
• There is a special compound found in oatmeal that can help relieve itching and swelling. Yes, we are indeed talking about your favorite breakfast food. Mix some dry oatmeal with equal parts water until it makes a paste. Put the mixture on the bites. Then hold a washcloth over the area for about 10 minutes. Wipe the area clean and repeat as necessary. Some people find that they have too many bites to put the paste on all of them. You can take an oatmeal bath instead. Sprinkle one cup of oatmeal into your warm bathwater. Soak for 20 minutes. Then get into the shower and clean yourself off.
• Honey is also known to help with mosquito bites. Simply put a small drop of honey on the affected area to help with the itch and inflammation.
Mosquito Inspections, Fogging Control & More in Round Rock, Leander, Pflugerville, Cedar Park & Austin Texas
If you find that you and your family are being bitten by mosquitoes on a regular basis A-Tex Pest Management can help. Give us a call and we can come out and help you get rid of the mosquitoes on your property. Our mosquito fogging service is effective for 30 days and we can treat your property every month so there are no lapses!