11 Proven Ways to Prevent Mosquito Bites

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This article was medically reviewed by Shonda Hawkins, M.S.N., a nurse practitioner and member of the Prevention Medical Review Board.

It’s backyard barbecue season—but you’re not the only one planning a feast. The mosquitoes are out and ready to chow down. But before you fill another shopping bag with citronella candles, it’s important to understand your adversary.

When a mosquito lands on your skin, it will feed on your blood—but once it leaves, the proteins in its saliva stay behind. Your immune system sees this is a threat and pumps out histamine (the same response it has to allergens) to attack these proteins. The result? Those unbearably itchy, red welts you remember scratching at as a kid. Luckily, there are ways to get rid of a mosquito bite quickly, and the itching should go away within two to three days.

But it’s not just bites you need to worry about—the aftermath can be unpleasant, too. Mosquitoes can carry all sorts of intense diseases, like the West Nile or Zika viruses, or even chikungunya and malaria (which are risks if you travel to certain countries). That’s why preventing mosquito bites in the first place should be a priority during the warmer months.

Entomologists know how these insects operate, which is why we consulted several for the dos and don’ts of repelling these pesky pests.

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Blow them away with a breeze.

Almost any breeze—anything above 1 MPH—makes it very difficult for mosquitoes to fly, says Jonathan Day, Ph.D., a mosquito expert and professor of medical entomology at the University of Florida. If you can pick a breezy spot for your summer outing, that can help prevent mosquito bites.

Plug-in fans are also a great deterrent, he adds. Just keep the flow of air directed at the lower half of your body; mosquitoes tend to fly very close to the ground to avoid wind, so directing the fan’s force downward will block their approach.

Natural wind or a fan will work much more in your favor than those fancy, ultrasonic devices and apps marketed as mosquito repellants—some of which claim to mimic the sound of dragonflies. “They don’t work at all,” Day says.

SHOP OUTDOOR FAN

Avoid peak mosquito hours when you can.

Just like you, mosquitoes crave a meal during certain times of day, says Howard Russell, M.S., an entomologist at Michigan State University. And for these critters, it’s often around dusk and dawn.

That’s because the wind typically dissipates as the sun rises and sets, which brings mosquitoes out to feed, Day explains. If you can try to stay inside during these times when the weather is warm, you’ll be able to prevent more than a few mosquito bites.

Apply DEET before you head outdoors.

DEET has a bad reputation, but adverse reactions to it are rare—and tend to occur only when people swallow or snort the stuff. When used as directed, it’s extremely effective, since it blocks a mosquito’s CO2 receoptors, Day says. Still, he’s quick to add: “Most people don’t understand how to apply it properly.” (Fun fact: DEET makes a great tick repellent, too.)

First, you should not spray DEET on your body and clothes like it’s perfume, he stresses. Instead, squirt a little onto your hands and rub it onto your ankles, elbows, wrists, forehead, and all the other places where your skin is thin—and where mosquitoes love to feed.

Also important: Day says a product’s DEET concentration determines how long it will last—not how well it will work. If you’ll be outside for 90 minutes or less, he says a product with 7 to 10% DEET will do the job, and you can always reapply to extend its efficacy (do not go higher than 30%). DEET in lotion or wipe form is also just as effective as a spray and removes the risk of inhaling it.

Finally, don’t waste your money on wearable DEET items, like wristbands or anklets—they don’t actually prevent mosquito bites, says Day.

SHOP DEET REPELLENT

Use other mosquito repellents if you’re not into DEET.

If you just can’t with DEET, there are other options that are recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) for use in repelling mosquitoes, including:

While all of the above have been found to be effective like DEET, picaridin is the next best choice. “This is something that was developed for the military just like DEET was,” says Roberto M. Pereira, Ph.D., an entomologist and research scientist at the University of Florida. “It works really well.”

If you’re at the store and you’re not sure if a repellent has these ingredients, “your safest bet is to look for Environmental Protection Agency approval on the product’s label,” Nancy Troyano, Ph. D., a board-certified entomologist and Director of Operations Education and Training for Western Exterminator Company. If it does, it should be effective and safe. (You can also search products registered with the EPA here.)

Related: The Best Insect Repellents to Prevent Bites All Summer

Try to stay cool.

This can be easier said than done in the summer, but mosquitoes are drawn in by pheromones released in your sweat, says Pereira.

This can vary from person to person. “Some people, like me, attract mosquitoes regardless of what they drink, eat, or wear,” says Russell. Still, the more you can do to take it easy on the sweating—especially during peak mosquito hours—the better.

Wear tightly woven, light-colored clothes.

Mosquitoes can’t penetrate clothing that has a very tight weave, Day says. While cotton and linen typically aren’t great armor against mosquito bites, Day says many synthetic fibers—particularly high-tech athletic apparel—tend to be woven tightly enough to keep bugs out. Any garment that offers sun protection will also have a tight enough weave to prevent mosquito bites, especially when you opt for long sleeves and pants.

Mosquitoes also use their vision to search for food sources during the daylight hours. Since they fly very close to the ground, they tend to find targets by looking for things that contrast with the horizon, Day says. “Dark colors stand out, but light colors are less attractive to them,” he adds. Of course, make sure you protect any exposed areas with a repellent if you’re going to be spending time outdoors for a long period of time.

Give your heart a breather.

Day says carbon dioxide (CO2) is the primary thing mosquitoes search for to identify food sources. And when your heart rate is elevated, your body produces more CO2. From exercise to drinking alcohol to eating spicy foods, anything that cranks up your metabolic rate will increase your CO2 production—and make you irresistible to mosquitoes, Day says. Unfortunately, being overweight or pregnant can also up your CO2 output, he adds.

If you’re outdoors and you know your heart rate will be spiking, make sure you wear protective clothing or apply a repellent to keep bug bites at bay.

Get rid of standing water around your home.

There are different types of mosquitoes, and the “mosquitoes that we worry about in urban areas are usually ones that are being produced in your own backyard,” Pereira says. Aedes mosquitoes, which transmit Zika virus and chikungunya, can easily breed in small containers of water like a birdbath or even water sitting around your plants. “They can breed in your own yard, and you wouldn’t necessarily know it,” Pereira says.

Do your best to clear out any standing water to lower the odds that you’ll have lots of mosquitoes hanging around your place ready to bite.

Consider adding plants that repel mosquitoes to your property.

This shouldn’t be your only mosquito-combating strategy, but Pereira says that certain plants may help discourage mosquitoes from hovering near your house. Those include things like citronella, lavender, lemongrass, marigolds, and basil. “If you had enough, it could make a difference in terms of mosquitoes inside your property,” he says.

Just keep realistic expectations about what these can and can’t do, Troyano says. While they may help tamp down on the number of mosquitoes around your place, “even planted in large quantities, the potency of these plants would not be enough to keep mosquitoes out of your yard entirely,” she says.

The same goes for citronella candles and oils. While they’re natural insect repellents, Day says they only work if their scent or smoke gets between you and the mosquito. So if you’re lighting tiki torches that sit a few feet off the ground, they won’t do much to prevent mosquito bites, he says.

Spray your yard for mosquitoes.

If you live in an area where the mosquitoes are unbearable, it might be worth hiring a professional to come and treat your yard with insecticide, Russell says. This can do a pretty good job of ensuring they won’t come anywhere near your place.

As for mosquito traps? They’ve been souped up with fancy features to attract mosquitoes with special lights, heats, or scents. “There’s no doubt that traps can—under the right environmental conditions—capture of a lot of mosquitoes,” Day says. Realistically, though, you can’t catch ‘em all. “Over the last 30 years, there have been many traps marketed as being able to clear a one-acre or five-acre lot,” Day says, “and it has never been my experience, even with very efficient traps, that they can rid a whole area of mosquitoes.”

A trap in the middle of your backyard will kill mosquitoes that fly close enough to sense its lures, sure, he says, but countless more will come flying into your yard to fill the space they leave behind. Mosquitoes are also adept at telling the difference between a trap and a living, breathing host—a.k.a. you.

Avoid scented products.

This can be tough, but it’s definitely worth a try if mosquitoes are terrible in your area. “Any scented perfume, lotion, or soap could potentially attract mosquitoes,” Troyano says. “If you want to reduce your attractiveness to mosquitoes, avoid scented products in general.”

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Korin Miller
Korin Miller is a freelance writer specializing in general wellness, sexual health and relationships, and lifestyle trends, with work appearing in Men’s Health, Women’s Health, Self, Glamour, and more.

Markham Heid
Markham Heid is an experienced health reporter and writer, has contributed to outlets like TIME, Men’s Health, and Everyday Health, and has received reporting awards from the Society of Professional Journalists and the Maryland, Delaware, and D.C.

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How to Tell the Difference Between Bed Bug & Mosquito Bites

In addition to skin reactions to bites, the primary ways to differentiate bed bug bites and mosquito bites include the differences in bite location on the body, the pattern of bites on the body and the estimated time when a bite occurred.

GENERAL SYMPTOMS OF BITES

Mosquito Bites: Usually appears as puffy white and reddish bumps that begin a few minutes after the bite and become a reddish-brown bump a day or so after the bite. In some instances a host may have small blisters and dark spots that look like bruises in extreme cases.

Bed Bug Bites: Symptoms are variable and may result in no visible symptoms at first. However, symptoms of reddish bumps on skin, inflammation and red blotches that can become areas of raised, itchy bumps that eventually cause a burning sensation.

OTHER IMPORTANT INFORMATION

Sensitivity to Bites:

• Mosquito Bites: Generally, sensitivity to mosquito bites tends to decrease as the number of times someone is bitten increases. This may partially explain why children are usually more sensitive to mosquito bites than adults.




• Bed Bug Bites: Generally, the opposite relationship to number of bites and sensitivity occurs with bed bug bites. Often someone who is bitten by a bed bug doesn’t even realize the bug has fed, but as the number times they are bitten increases, the sensitivity to those bites also increases.




• Mosquito Bite Symptoms: Moderately painful, very irritating, itchy and leave round, red or pink mark on the skin. Mosquito bites may occur anytime during the day, at dusk or at night.




• Bed Bug Bite Symptoms: Usually are generally unnoticed and can be almost painless at the time of the bite. In fact, much of the time a person does not even realize they were bitten unless they notice the bite welts.




• Time to Heal: Mosquito bites usually clear up and “heal” much quicker than bed bug bites, which may persist for a few days or even longer.

Bite Sites:

• Mosquito bites are generally distributed in a random manner over parts of the body that are not protected by clothing (legs, face, back neck, etc.).




• Bed bug bites are more clustered and often occur in a distinct bite pattern that can be described as being multiple and arranged in a linear or circular fashion. Common locations include the neck, face, back, chest, arms, legs and around the crotch.

Signs & Characteristics

• In many instances a bed bug is unable to digest all of the blood meal it takes from a host, so it may actually excrete a portion of that blood meal onto the sheets the host is sleeping on. Therefore, if you see small, round bloodstains on your sheets, chances are good that a bed bug feed on you during the night.




• Hosts for both mosquitoes and bed bugs vary in attractiveness to the insects, which points out that both of these insects may bite one person and almost completely ignore someone else who is nearby. This behavior is very important to recognize since bed bugs are known to bite one person who is asleep and not bite another person who is asleep nearby.

LIFE CYCLE DIFFERENCE

• 
  Mosquitoes develop by complete metamorphosis, which means they go through four stages in their developmental cycle that is entirely different – egg, larvae, pupae and adults. Only the female mosquito adult bites and feeds on blood.

• Bed bugs develop by incomplete metamorphosis, which means they go through only three life stages – egg, nymphs and adults – and both the male and female nymphs and adults feed on blood.

DISEASE TRANSMISSION POTENTIAL

• Mosquitoes are known transmitters of many diseases that affect people or animals.
• Bed bugs are not proven transmitters of any known diseases to people or animals.
• If someone continues to scratch either mosquito or bed bug bites and does not keep the bite clean and medicated, there is a risk of a secondary infection.

SUMMARY

Should either mosquitoes or bed bugs become a pest issue, the best course of action is to contact your pest management professional. It is important to request an inspection, plus an integrated management plan that includes science-based information, recommendations, products and methods to be used.

Bed Bug Bites vs. Mosquito Bites

Like mosquito bites, bed bug bites usually look like small red bumps. Learn how to tell the difference between a bed bug bite vs a mosquito bite.

It’s important to figure out what kind of bug bite you have, so pest control professionals can take the best course of action. The answer to the bed bug bite vs. mosquito bite question might seem obvious at first, but don’t jump to conclusions. Just because you woke up scratching a red bump doesn’t mean it’s a bed bug bite. Just because you started itching after a camping trip doesn’t mean it’s a mosquito bite.

That’s because the distinguishing physical characteristics of a bed bug bite vs. mosquito bite aren’t always enough to figure out which pest has your blood on its hands (or mouth, as it were). Here’s what else you need to know to unmask the culprit:

Looking past the bite

Mosquito and bed bug bites are very similar. It’s important to obtain circumstantial evidence in addition to visual evidence. For example, if you find bed bug feces and eggs in the crevices of your mattress, chances are the bites are from bed bugs. If you live in a warm climate and have no screens on your windows, mosquitoes could be your problem.

Location and appearance matter

As far as appearances go, only bites from bed bugs tend to align with the edge of a sheet or where your body meets the mattress. The bites appear as a line or a row. Mosquito bites are often random and isolated. Even a cluster of mosquito bites will appear randomly placed. In addition, mosquitoes don’t bite through clothing. Only bed bugs will crawl under clothes to find fresh skin. However, exposed skin is always preferred by both.

Reaction time

Mosquito bites are instantly visible and immediately begin to itch. Look for a raised white welt with oddly shaped, red boundaries. The bite will reduce to a red bump in a day or so. Mosquito bites usually self-resolve faster. And while just about everyone will react to a mosquito bite, some people don’t have reactions to bed bug bites at all. Additionally, bed bug bites can take minutes, hours or even days to show up. The flat, red welts generally won’t itch at first, but will with time.

A few other bites to watch for

Now that you know how to tell the difference between a bed bug bite vs. mosquito bite, what about all the other biting insects out there? Spider bites may cause intense pain and swelling, but most are painless or barely noticed. Tick bites often still have the tick attached to the skin in the middle of the bite, but if not, a firm red bump will mark the spot. Lice bites are red, itchy spots located around the scalp, neck and shoulders.

Fire ant bites are actually stings that are usually painful and create a burning red bump, which is typically replaced by a hard, white pustule that lasts around a week. Flea bites appear as random dots around the ankles, legs and feet. In some people, flea bites can swell up in less than an hour and possibly turn into an open sore or blister in less than a day. Mite bites (including chiggers) create an inflamed rash that often centers around a crusted, itchy red welt.

Kissing bugs (or assassin bugs) are similar to bed bugs in nature, as are their bites. Additionally, both bugs carry the T. Cruzi parasite in their feces. T. Cruzi causes a deadly disease in humans called Chagas. Fortunately, unlike kissing bug bites, bed bug bites have not yet been shown to directly cause Chagas. Kissing bug bites tend to occur around a person’s mouth as they sleep. They are rarely found in most of the United States, but are common in Central and South America.

Whether it’s a bed bug bite, mosquito bite or any other type of insect, it’s vital that you eliminate anything that is biting you. While bed bugs have not been shown to carry disease, bed bug bites are itchy and sometimes ugly and painful. Don’t let insects live off of your blood. Contact Terminix® today and bite back.

WATCH: Mosquitoes Use 6 Needles To Suck Your Blood : Shots

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It’s not just idle curiosity that’s got scientists hunting down all the bloody details of a mosquito bite. Bites from these bugs are more dangerous to humans than those of any other animal; mosquitoes kill hundreds of thousands of people each year worldwide, and sicken millions more.

Male mosquitoes don’t bite people, but when the females drink our blood to grow their eggs, they can leave behind viruses and parasites that cause diseases like West Nile, malaria, dengue and Zika.

Part of what makes mosquitoes so good at getting humans sick, researchers are now learning, is the effectiveness of that bite. The mosquito’s mouth, also called a proboscis, isn’t just one tiny spear. It’s a sophisticated system of six thin, needlelike mouthparts that scientists call stylets, each of which pierces the skin, finds blood vessels and makes it easy for mosquitoes to suck blood.

And these bugs know just where to bite. Mosquitoes have more than 150 receptors — proteins on their antennae and proboscis that help them find victims or figure out if a particular puddle of water has enough nutrients to support mosquito larvae.

Unfortunately, we humans leave an alluring trail. When malaria-causing Anopheles mosquitoes, for example, come out at night to look for blood, they track the carbon dioxide we exhale as we sleep, explains Shirley Luckhart, a University of California, Davis, parasitologist and entomologist. As they get closer to us, they detect body heat and substances called volatile fatty acids that waft up from our skin, she says.

Why are some people more likely to get bitten than others? Nobody knows for sure.

“The volatile fatty acids given off by our skin are quite different [from one person to the next],” Luckhart explains. “They reflect differences between men and women, even what we’ve eaten. Those cues are different from person to person. There’s probably not one or two. It’s the blend that’s more or less attractive,” she says.

When the female mosquito pierces the skin, a flexible liplike sheath scrolls up and stays outside as the insect pushes in the six needlelike parts.

Two of these needles, called maxillae, have tiny teeth that let the mosquito saw through human skin.

Note the sawing motion as an Anopheles mosquito bites a human arm.

“They’re like drill bits — so sharp we barely feel the bite,” says UC Davis biochemist Walter Leal.

Another set of needles, the mandibles, hold tissues apart while the mosquito saws into the skin. Then a fifth needle, called the labrum, pierces a blood vessel.

“Mosquitoes don’t find the blood vessel randomly,” says Leal. Instead, scientists have recently discovered that receptors on the tip of the labrum respond to chemicals in our blood that drift up through the tissue like a “bouquet of smells” to help guide the way to a likely vessel.

Once the labrum gets into the blood vessel, it also serves as a straw.

Young-Moo Choo, a postdoctoral researcher in Leal’s lab, discovered one of the labrum’s blood-detecting receptors — 4EP — by painstakingly dissecting the mouthparts and genetically testing each part. He says he hopes his work might one day help drug companies develop new repellents.

Scientists have been trying to figure out the anatomy of the mosquito bite for decades, but the insect’s delicate mouthparts tend to fall apart in the hands of beginners. Keen dissection skills — aided by video, powerful microscopes and genetic analyses — are now enabling Choo and other scientists to gather the details they need to figure out how the feeding system works.

As a female mosquito’s gut fills up with blood, she filters the nutritious red blood cells from the fluid and excretes the water.

“The red blood cells provide a large protein component,” Luckhart says. Eliminating the water lets her take in five to 10 times more blood than she otherwise could.

The mosquito’s sixth needle — called the hypopharynx — drips mosquito saliva from the bug into us. That saliva contains substances that keep our blood flowing.

A female mosquito’s body concentrates red blood cells and gets rid of fluid she doesn’t need — the better to drink even more of your blood, my dear.

Otherwise, “your blood tends to coagulate immediately upon contact with the air,” Leal explains.

Mosquito saliva is powerful stuff. It makes our blood vessels dilate, blocks our immune response and lubricates the insect’s proboscis. It causes us to develop itchy welts and can serve as a conduit for dangerous viruses and parasites.

“Infected mosquitoes spit highly variable doses, anywhere from one infectious virion to 10,000,” says UC Davis virologist Lark Coffey, referring to virus particles. “The number of virions needed to productively infect mice can be as low as one. In theory, one might be enough to cause diseases like dengue or West Nile.”

And it takes only eight to 20 early-stage malaria organisms to cause that disease.

“Within 20 minutes they make it to the human liver,” says Luckhart. “It’s a very fast process.”

Scientists also believe bites from Aedes aegypti mosquitoes have been the main transmitters of Zika virus to people in the recent epidemic.

Mosquitoes don’t get anything out of making us sick — they just incidentally pass these viruses and other organisms on to us. In fact, researchers have found that some viruses started out as mosquito-only viruses. This isn’t hard to believe; the first organisms that resembled mosquitoes are thought to have developed about 200 million years before the first humans.

This illustration shows the six needlelike mouthparts that female mosquitoes use to bite people. Usually sheathed by a flexible tube, the weapons include two maxillae (blue) to saw into the skin and two mandibles (yellow) to hold the tissues apart as the maxillae saw. The bugs drool saliva into humans with the hypopharynx (green) and suck up blood with the labrum (red).

Teodros Hailye/KQED, based on research by Young-Moo Choo and colleagues

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Teodros Hailye/KQED, based on research by Young-Moo Choo and colleagues

This illustration shows the six needlelike mouthparts that female mosquitoes use to bite people. Usually sheathed by a flexible tube, the weapons include two maxillae (blue) to saw into the skin and two mandibles (yellow) to hold the tissues apart as the maxillae saw. The bugs drool saliva into humans with the hypopharynx (green) and suck up blood with the labrum (red).

Teodros Hailye/KQED, based on research by Young-Moo Choo and colleagues

“As mosquitoes evolved the habit of drinking blood, some viruses have tracked that evolutionary path and become human-vectored viruses,” says microbiologist Shannon Bennett, chief of science at the California Academy of Sciences, in San Francisco.

To reduce the chances of contracting a mosquito-borne disease, public health experts recommend wearing mosquito repellent, checking the screens on doors and windows and eliminating standing water inside and around our homes. Mosquitoes lay their eggs in water — even in the small amounts that pool in gutters and bits of trash, as well as in decorative ponds, flower vases, pet dishes and uncovered rain barrels.

“We’ve created the ecological niche that they’re well-adapted to,” says Bennett.

This post and video were produced by our friends at Deep Look, a wildlife video series from KQED and PBS Digital Studios that explores “the unseen at the very edge of our visible world.” KQED’s Gabriela Quirós is the coordinating producer of the series. You can read a longer version of her post on the Deep Look website.

What Bit Me? The Ultimate Guide to Common Bites and Stings

Everyone has suffered from that incredibly itchy bite that keeps you awake at night. Although some people seem far more susceptible to bites and some experience spectacular and occasionally life-threatening reactions. This guide gives you a general overview as to what might have got you and suggestions as to the best way to treat the bites and stings to make them more bearable and less of an ordeal.

First steps to deal with bites and stings

First point – no matter how tempting it is, please don’t scratch the bite. Once the skin has been broken the bite is far more likely to become infected. The first sign your bite is becoming infected is likely to be that it gets redder, hot and more itchy. If this is the case get it seen by a health professional as soon as possible. If the redness tracks away from the bite and spreads across the skin, this could be a sign of cellulitis, which is serious and you should get medical treatment quickly.

Reacting to the sting:

Anyone can react to a sting, it is most commonly a local reaction, just affecting the bite or sting itself. If the person who has been stung experiences a local reaction, apply a wrapped ice pack to the affected area and this will help to reduce the swelling and can reduce pain as well. Antihistamines will also help reduce the reaction and will treat itching and swelling, take paracetamol or ibuprofen to reduce pain.

Anaphylaxis

If the casualty shows any signs of a systemic reaction or of anaphylactic shock, call an ambulance immediately. Use their Adrenaline Auto-injector if they have one. Remain calm, reassure them and position them appropriately: If they are struggling to breathe, they should sit in an upright position. Putting something under their knees to help increase their circulation can be helpful – into the lazy W position.

If they are not having trouble breathing, but are feeling weak, dizzy, sick and thirsty – and showing signs of shock should lie down with their legs raised to help increase the circulation to their vital organs. They should stay lying down even if they appear to recover, as sitting or standing them up could cause a further drop in their blood pressure. Encourage them to turn their head to one side if they are likely to vomit. Cover them to stay warm and keep in this position until the paramedics arrive.

Bee and wasp stings

Bees and wasps are not generally aggressive and don’t look to sting people, however it is extremely common for people to accidentally step on them in bare feet, or for them to fly into us and then sting. When bees or wasps sting a person, they inject venom through their stinger into the skin of the victim. Wasps, hornets and other stinging insects have stingers without barbs that they retract when they sting, so these insects can sting people multiple times. Bees have a barbed stinger that they leave in the victim’s skin along with the venom sack.

What to do with a sting

If someone is stung by a bee and the sting remains in the skin, quickly flick it out using your thumb nail or a credit card. Try not to squeeze the sting as this can increase the amount of allergen entering the body and therefore increase any possible allergic reaction. The venom sac can take 2-3 minutes to release the venom and so removing the sac promptly can prevent further venom increasing the reaction.

Most people only experience a localised reaction to bee stings. This area around the skin is red and painful. About 3% of people stung by bees and wasps have an allergic reaction to the sting, and up to 0. 8% of bee sting victims experience the severe and life-threatening allergic reaction known as anaphylaxis – this requires urgent medical intervention as detailed above.

Old wives’ tales suggest neutralising stings with vinegar or bicarbonate of soda (depending on the source) is an effective remedy for wasp and bee stings.  Wasp sting venom is more alkaline and the remedy is neutralising the sting with vinegar  to reduce the pain. Bee sting venom is predominantly formic acidic. They advise bicarbonate of soda to neautralise it. Neither of these remedies have any scientific backing and it is more likely to be the power of suggestion than any real benefit that might make people feel better.

Click here to go to our online Essential First Aid for All Ages course 

Tick bites (Ticks carry Lyme disease)

Ticks are tiny creatures that live in woodland and grassy areas, they are particularly prevalent if there are deer and other wildlife. They are blood sucking and bite into the skin to feed on blood. Initially they are extremely small, but swell as they eat, eventually becoming pea sized and therefore easier to spot and remove.

Ticks can carry Lyme disease (which is serious to humans) and you should see a health professional. If this is not possible, they should be very carefully removed with tweezers or ideally with a proper tick remover, gently pulling without twisting in any way. when using a tick remover, you should insert under the tick and rotate 360 degrees.

Never burn the tick off or try and use chemicals to kill it. Keep the tick in a container to show to the medical professionals so they can ensure has been removed entirely. Cover up with long trousers and socks when walking in woodland and long grass and always check yourself, your clothes and your dog for ticks on your return.

Lyme disease in humans:

Bull’s eye type rash associated with Lyme Disease

Lyme disease is a serious illness in humans, characterised by flu like symptoms, lethargy and aches and pains. 50% of people with Lyme disease develop a classic bulls eye type rash, which can appear on any part of the body. If a doctor can diagnose and treat Lyme Disease quickly, it is possible to make a full recovery. However it can cause paralysis, arthritis, meningitis and severe long-term problems.

Chiggers

Chiggers are horrible little mites that are commonly found on meadows, golf courses, woodlands, parks and in grassland around lakes and rivers. They are members if the Trombiculidae family and are tiny mite like spiders. They are known as berry bugs, red bugs or harvest mites. Symptoms of chigger bites include intense itching, and flat or raised red bumps on the skin that sometimes appear blistered.

Antihistamines and topical anti bite and sting relief creams. My children also love the click-it itch relief clickers and swear they work brilliantly. Chiggers most commonly bite areas of thinned skin such as wrinkles and warm folds of skin such as the crotch and groin areas, armpits, and behind the knees. The ankles and calves are also common sites for chigger bites.

When the chigger bites, it inserts its feeding structures and mouth parts into the skin. They inject enzymes into the host skin that destroy the tissue around the bite and it is these that frequently provoke reactions. The area around the bite then hardens, and they insert a feeding tube, called a sylostome, further into the bite area. They can feed on the skin through this structure for a few days.

Mosquito bites

Most of us are familiar with the tell-tale buzz of the mosquito and well aware of the look of these pesky vampires.  We do get them in the UK and our increasingly warm summers are leading to a surge in numbers. Mosquitos are flies that feed on human blood, they are also carriers of malaria, dengue fever, Japanese encephalitis and many more extremely serious diseases. Mosquitos love stagnant water and breed prolifically when the conditions are right.

Only female mosquitos bite humans as females need blood in their diet to reproduce. Male mosquitos have feathery antennae that help them sense the presence of female mosquitos – males only live for about a week. Females have less bushy antennae and can live for a few months. Female mosquitos have long, tubular mouthparts that they use to pierce your skin and feed on your blood. When they bite you, they inject saliva into your body while suctioning your blood.

Click here to go to our online Essential First Aid for All Ages course 

What to do

Mosquito saliva contains proteins that most people react to causing an red and itchy bump. They sniff their victims out and choose them based on their scent. Many mosquito repellents try to change our smell to make us less appetising to the mosquitoes. You can get patches and sprays and people also say eating large amounts of Marmite can make you less appealing to the bugs. Ideally use a high quality, insect repellent and cover up with loose fitting, long sleeved clothes and long trousers. Some mosquitos are around more in the daytime, some at dawn and dusk. Deet based insect repellents are widely seen as the most effective.

Wash mosquito bites with soap and warm water. Antihistamine tablets and topical creams, anti-itch creams and applying an ice pack to the bites should provide relief from itching. Avoid scratching the bites. It is rare for anyone to have a severe allergic or anaphylactic reaction to a mosquito bite. Therefore, if you develop aching, headaches, or fever after a bite, contact your doctor. These are more likely to be symptoms of a mosquito-borne disease.

Fleas

Fleas are minute, irritating insects, that like to feed on our blood and that of our pets. They are a real nuisance and their bites are itchy and sometimes painful. Getting rid of fleas is hard and requires professional pest control treatment for total eradication. Pet owners are most at risk of flea infestations, but it is possible to have fleas in your home without pets.

Fleas are tiny jumping bugs, that are extremely fast breeders.

Fleabites are distinctive small, red bumps with a red “halo” around the bite centre. Bites usually occur in groups of three or four, or in a straight line. Fleas like warm moist areas such as the waist, armpits, breasts, groin, or in the folds of the elbows and knees, but they also nibble the easy to reach areas such as ankles and calves. Fleabites are incredibly itchy, the skin around each bite can be sore or painful and you might develop a rash or hives near the site of a bite. Scratching the bites is very likely to lead to infection.

This is not a comprehensive guide to bites and stings. If you experience any unusual reactions or issues following a bite or sting, please seek medical advice. Wishing you a safe and happy bite and sting free summer!

Download our What Bit Me? ebook here!

It is strongly advised that you attend a fully regulated Practical or Online First Aid course to understand what to do in a medical emergency.

Please visit https://firstaidforlife.org.uk or call 0208 675 4036 for more information about our courses.

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First Aid for Life is a multi-award-winning, fully regulated first aid training provider. Our trainers are highly experienced medical, health and emergency services professionals who will tailor the training to your needs. Courses for groups or individuals at our venue or yours.

First Aid for life provides this information for guidance and it is not in any way a substitute for medical advice. First Aid for Life is not responsible or liable for any diagnosis made, or actions taken based on this information.

Flea Bites vs Mosquito Bites – What’s the Difference?

Flea Bites vs Mosquito Bites – How to Tell The Difference?

If you are scratching a big red welt on your body and wondering which bloodsucking pest caused it, we might be able to give you some answers. The common factor between flea bites and mosquito bites is that both are extremely annoying, irritating, and itchy. And persistently scratching either type of bite can lead to secondary infection in some people.  Besides these similarities, there are some differences between flea bites and mosquito bites and in the ways you can treat them, which we will cover in this article.

Mosquitos vs Fleas. What is the difference?

Fleas are a common household pest. They look like small, oval-shaped, and dark insects with a hard shell. They are dark reddish-brown in color and have biting mouthparts. Fleas have a small head and six legs with back legs being the longest amongst the others. They are normally brought in on pets and can hide under carpets, furniture, and shoes. Besides pets, flea infestations can also be caused by rodents and other wild animals that may exist in your house. Fleas on humans are less common than they are on animals. 

As for mosquitoes, they have one pair of scaled wings with a pair of halteres and have slender bodies with long legs. The proboscis is made up of mouthparts that allow the mosquito to suck up fluids. The color and size of the mosquito depend on its species and type. Although mosquitoes appear fragile, they are extremely resilient insects and female mosquitoes can easily draw blood from different animals. Mosquitos are capable of surviving in a variety of locations but they are mostly present in hot, humid climates as such conditions are most amenable to mosquito growth and survival. 

How to differentiate between flea and mosquito bites?

When you compare flea bites vs mosquito bites, they are both caused by bloodsucking insects, but there are some slight differences in what these bites look and feel like. Flea bites mostly leave an itchy welt on the skin, ankles, and legs. Mosquitoes leave a raised, itchy pink skin bump which can also cause severe allergic reactions in rare cases.

What does a flea bite vs mosquito bite look like?

We wonder what flea bites vs mosquito bites look like, here’s how you can differentiate between them. 

Flea Bites

Flea bites usually emerge in groups. They are small red bumps that are extremely itchy and grueling. They are slightly smaller in comparison to mosquito bites. They may appear in groups but each bite may vary in color from pink to dark red. If you are more sensitive to fleas, besides bumps, additional symptoms can also appear. In some cases, the flea bites may start to blister and can even turn into small wounds. Being repeatedly bitten by fleas can worsen your reaction. The skin around the flea bites can turn red or swell. If you are bitten repeatedly by fleas, it can also cause a chronic condition called papular urticaria. These are hives that can be formed anywhere on the body. 

Mosquito Bites

You may have different reactions to mosquito bites, but the most common reaction is an itchy red bump. It can appear within moments or hours after the mosquito has bitten you. A mosquito bite will be itchy for the first few hours of being bitten after which the itchiness will subside and the bump will disappear after a few days. Although, an allergy to mosquito bites can result in a more extreme reaction. You may experience welts, hives, or blisters. Welts caused by mosquito bites can vary in severity and size. Usually, they appear as an exaggerated mosquito bite. The skin surrounding the bite will swell and redden. The welts may feel sore to the touch. Severe allergies to mosquito bites are rare, although they do happen. These include hypersensitivity to mosquito bites (HMB) and skeeter syndrome.

Why do mosquito and flea bites itch so much?

Both flea bites and mosquito bites itch so much because, when either of the insects bite you, they pierce the skin to suck the blood up. As they are feeding, they inject their saliva which contains anticoagulants, into the skin. Your body reacts to the saliva of the insect, which results in a small itchy bump. 

How to Treat a Flea Bite?

It is imperative that you treat a flea bite as soon as you notice it. Treatment helps subside the severity of itching. You also should at all costs avoid scratching flea bites for a number of reasons. Flea bites are open wounds as the flea pierce through the skin to suck the blood out. If you scratch the bite, it may lead to a bacterial infection. The first initial step to avoid exasperation of the bite is to wash it with soap and water. Make sure you don’t puncture any blisters caused by a flea bite, as that may increase the risk of infection.

It’s common to succumb to a secondary infection, especially if in children. Keep your child’s nails short to stop them from scratching. Be mindful of the fact that fleas defecate while they are taking their blood meals. This is why it is essential to thoroughly wash the affected area. To relieve itching and swelling, use antihistamine medication or calamine lotion. If your bites remain inflamed, an anesthetic gel may help. Fleas can transmit disease through their bites. If you experience a high fever or other concerning symptoms after getting bitten, seek medical attention.

How to Treat a Mosquito Bite?

Mosquito bites are not venomous but regardless of that, they are extremely irritating because of the itching and redness. The bites can also cause hives, blisters, and swelling which can further add to the discomfort. If the bite begins to swell, apply a cool washcloth or an ice pack. If it causes a blister, be careful not to burst them. As mosquito bites are penetrating wounds, you must wash them with water and disinfectant soap. Mosquito saliva is the substance that causes the symptoms, not the bite itself. Cleaning the bite will wash away residual traces of saliva.  Antihistamines and some topical gels can help combat itching and swelling. If you have an insect allergy because of each, you can go into anaphylactic shock after a bite, seek medical attention, and suspect you have been bitten. Mosquitoes can also transmit diseases so if the bite causes other severe symptoms, seek medical attention.

How to get rid of mosquitos and fleas?

Fleas are normally brought into your home via an animal. If you have a pet treat it with a vet-approved flea shampoo or treatment. If there is an infestation at home, thoroughly wash all toys, bedding, and soft furnishings that could have come into contact with the flea infestation. Anything that can’t be washed will need to be thrown away. Use a vacuum cleaner across all surfaces, including the sofa. Don’t forget to empty the vacuum far away from the house so as not to reintroduce the fleas. 

The best way to control mosquitoes is to try to keep them out of your home in the first place. Avoid having areas of standing or stagnant water close to your homes, such as ponds or water barrels, which can become a mosquito breeding ground. Outside and on window ledges, plant citronella to deter mosquitoes, or inside, use an incense burner with a few drops of citronella or lavender oil as a natural deterrent.

Final Word

Both flea bites and mosquito bites are relatively harmless but if you are allergic to them or are exhibiting some serious symptoms after the bite, consult our primary care physicians so they can help you curb the symptoms and consult you on what to do to avoid getting bitten.  

How to Identify and Treat Bug Bites on Dogs

Most bug bites on dogs are just an itchy nuisance, but in rare cases, they can be life-threatening. In this guide, we’ll cover how to identify and treat the most common types of bug bites. You’ll also learn to spot the clinical signs of a serious allergic reaction, and some all-natural treatments for bug bites and other irritations.

How to Identify Insect Bites on Dogs

Mosquitos tend to bite dogs on short-haired portions of the body such as the face and belly.

Mosquito Bites on Dogs

What to check for: firm, irregularly shaped bumps that occur in random, isolated spots. Since mosquito needles are so small (there are actually six of them), it’s usually impossible to see the point of penetration, even if the bite is on a hairless patch of skin like the belly.

Another telling clue is that mosquito bites become itchy much quicker than other bug bites. So if your pup starts scratching immediately after a quick trip outside, a whirring bloodsucker is likely to blame. (In contrast, dogs will often lick or chew bites that are more painful than itchy.)

Mosquitoes are usually nothing to worry about

Heartworm disease is a commonly cited concern for mosquito bites. But dogs on monthly heartworm preventatives are completely protected against the disease.

The only exception is if your dog was infected about a month before starting medication. After about 50 days, heartworms reach their adult stage and cannot be eliminated by preventative medication.

There’s one other scenario to watch out for: Like humans, some dogs are allergic to mosquito bites. Swelling and itchiness may be more severe. But your pup’s in no danger unless swelling in the face, nose, or throat interferes with breathing.

Flea-bite induced dermatitis on a dog with a flea allergy.

Flea Bites on Dogs

What to check for: clusters of small, red bumps usually found around the paws, belly, or folds of skin. There’s often a red halo around the bite center. The presence of small black pepper-like specs called flea dirt (or flea dust) provide a sure-fire diagnosis. You may notice more intense itching and chewing if your dog has a flea allergy.

Fleas are active year-round, but they’re most aggressive in warmer months. Check the AKC’s guide to see your state’s official flea and tick season.

Fleas spend very little of their life on your pet. A majority of the time they’re bounding around your yard or home. So if you find clusters of red bumps on your dog in the winter, and you aren’t getting bit yourself, it’s possible you’re dealing with a mite infestation instead. 

Ticks attached to a dog’s face; these arachnids typically latch around the face, ears, and groin.

Tick Bites on Dogs

What to check for: It’s easy to identify tick bites if the bug is still attached. Otherwise, it can be pretty difficult to distinguish the mark of a tick from a mosquito: a small red bump.

Ticks can be active in any season or weather as long as the temperature is above freezing. Check the AKC’s guide to learn about your state’s official flea and tick season.

A tick removal hook is an affordable and indispensable tool to keep with your dog supplies!

How to get a tick off a dog

The key to safely removing a tick is using a tick removal hook or fine-point tweezers. Grasp the tick as close to your dog’s skin as possible and gently pull up until the tick releases.

Never use your fingers or blunt-tip household tweezers because you might end up squeezing more infectious material into the bite. You could also tear the mouth (which most people incorrectly believe is the tick’s head), leaving parts of it embedded in the skin.

Ticks and Lyme disease

Lyme disease is a common concern for dogs all over the US. It’s also a somewhat controversial topic in the world of veterinary medicine because the diagnosis can be tricky.

The bacteria responsible, Borrelia burgdorferi, is spread only through tick bites. Initially, a tick bite looks like your average mosquito bite. But if your pup is infected, a circular rash may appear anywhere from 3 to 30 days after the bite. The catch is that the rash only shows up for around 80% of infectees, leaving the other 20% with no visible signs of infection.

Even though traditional blood tests have been replaced by two much more effective methods (the Snap 4Dx and QC6), many dogs that test positive aren’t clinically ill and don’t need treatment. If a dog tests positive, the next step is to check whether the levels of a specific antibody (C6) are high enough to warrant treatment. Even then, some veterinarians may want to run additional blood and urine tests before making a decision.

Black widow spiders are abundant in the American south and commonly found in dark, secluded area like garages, basements, and cluttered areas.

Spider Bites on Dogs

Most spiders are relatively harmless for dogs. Mild swelling and tenderness are usually the worst symptoms you’ll see. However, there are two types of spiders that can inflict serious harm on curious pups: Loxosceles (recluses) and Latrodectus (widows).

Identifying venomous bites

Widow and Recluse bites are primarily diagnosed based on clinical signs that may take hours (or even days) to develop. Intense pain and lesions around the bite center are two of the most telling signs that your dog was poisoned. Seizures, muscle stiffness, lethargy, paralysis, vomiting, and fever are also big indicators. If your dog experiences any of these symptoms at any point, see your vet.

Venomous spider bites can manifest in two ways: local reactions and systemic reactions. This is important because in systemic reactions bite marks don’t always change in color or appearance. In other words, it’s possible your dog has been poisoned even if you don’t see a gnarly black lesion.

A sting in the face can cause serious swelling, but it’s generally not dangerous unless breathing is restricted.

Hornet, Wasp, and Bee Stings on Dogs

What to check for: Swelling is the biggest identifier for stings. Insects like bees and hornets are quick to retaliate when harassed or stepped on, so most stings occur on the face, head, or paws after you dog accidentally disturbs a nest or a hive, or tramples one of these insects.

How to get a bee stinger out of a dog’s skin

If your dog is stung by a bee, there’s a chance the stinger might still be embedded in the wound. Don’t use tweezers to remove the stinger because squeezing it will release more venom. Instead, scrape a credit card over your pup’s coat until it pops out, then flick the stinger away.

Ant Bites on Dogs

What to check for: small red bumps with a rounded raised center. Fire ant bites will often turn into pus-filled blisters that look a lot like pimples. Dogs often pick up ants after they step in a mound, so make sure to check for stragglers roaming around the fur.

Black fly bites show up immediately as dark red circles, usually on the dog’s underside.

Fly Bites on Dogs

What they look like: a flat, red splotch. Sometimes these bites will have an outline and other times the entire splotch will be a dark red. Black flies and Horseflies are the most aggressive types of flies and can even draw blood.

Small, annoying flies, like yellow flies and no-see-ums, leave a much smaller mark. Black flies and Horseflies are primarily found buzzing around large farm animals. So if you live near or on a farm, the likelihood that the bite you’re looking at came from a larger fly is much higher.

How Do I Know If It’s an Emergency?

There are four different types of allergic reactions that your dog might experience after an insect bite. The good news is that only two have the potential to be life-threatening, and the symptoms are easy to identify.

Types of allergic reactions seen in dogs:

• Anaphylactic: The most severe type of allergic reaction—fatal without treatment. Symptoms can reach a life-threatening stage in as little as 20 minutes.
• Edema: You’ll see significant swelling in the face or throat, but it’s easily treatable and only dangerous if the swelling interferes with your pup’s ability to breathe. Vets usually treat this with an antihistamine injection, but untreated, it will subside in a couple of days.
• Hives (Urticaria): Hives are incredibly annoying and itchy, but not life threatening.
• Allergic Dermatitis: Your dog will have itchy, flaky skin.

Clinical signs of a serious allergic reaction:

In extremely rare cases, insect bites can trigger anaphylaxis. Anaphylaxis is a rapidly occurring emergency that can affect major organs, restrict blood flow to the brain (sometimes causing seizures), and prevent your dog from breathing.

If you observe any combination of the following symptoms in your dog, see your veterinarian immediately:

• Hives or swelling in areas other than the bite
• Vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Dizziness or disorientation
• Seizures
• Wheezing
• Excessive drooling

With anaphylaxis, one of the most important things to look for (outside of a seizure, of course) is swelling in areas other than the bite. Anaphylaxis is a systemic reaction that erupts all over the body and in multiple organs.

How to tell if your dog can’t breathe:

Reactions that cause a face or throat edema are generally much less serious than anaphylaxis, but they can be fatal if they constrict the airway. Check for any of the symptoms below to determine whether your dog is having trouble breathing.

• Flaring nostrils when breathing
• Breathing with an open mouth
• Breathing with the elbows jutted out from the body
• The belly expands and moves much more than normal during each breath
• Noisy and scratchy breathing

Can I give my dog Benadryl?

Benadryl is a great medication for dogs with mild allergies, but it should never be self-prescribed. Always consult with your vet before trying an allergy medication out on your dog. Depending on your pooch’s health, Benadryl might actually make things worse.

Soothe Insect Bites and Stings with Skin Soother

No matter the variety of bite, there are two things you can almost always count on: redness and itching. If you’ve been a dog owner for any amount of time, you know how miserable these can make your pup. All that scratching and licking can even make the wound worse.

A Topical Balm for Immediate Relief

Skin Soother is an all-natural topical treatment that’s perfect to keep handy at home or while you’re on the go. It’s super easy to apply (no mixing, no hassle) and it’s packed with antibacterial herbs that reduce inflammation and relieve the affected areas.

Both of my pups managed to get into something outside that causes bug bite marks all over their underbellies. After one use of the Skin Soother, the next day the marks were almost gone! I am I lifetime customer and I’ve already ordered more. — Anna and her Lab mixes, Oakley and Aspen

Itchy Dog Shampoo for All-Over Soothing

Did your pup come home from a romp in the yard covered in bites? Getting over a flea problem? Dealing with allergies or food sensitivity? Stop the jingling-tags chorus of constant scratching with a luxurious bath with Itchy Dog Shampoo! Our proprietary formula is packed with powerhouse ingredients to soothe itching and calm swelling and redness. Combined with Skin Soother, your itchy pup will be feeling better in no time.

Bought the Itchy Dog Shampoo for my 10 month old Boston. He was so itchy, I took him to vet and spent a fortune on Cyto-Point injections and Benadryl shots but nothing seemed to work. Used Itchy Dog Shampoo once he is 60 percent better, next bath he is 90 percent better. He actually makes it through the night now without waking me up itching. This product is wonderful!!!! — JoLynn and her Boston Terrier

How to smear the bites of mosquitoes and midges so that they do not scratch

Summer is not only active recreation in nature, the sun and the sea, but also the season of insects – mosquitoes and midges. Little bloodsuckers are invisible, but they can cause a lot of trouble. What you need to do so that they do not interfere with your leisure time, read the Sputnik Kazakhstan Help.

To prevent bites, you can put mosquito nets on windows in your home or on tents while camping. Lovers of hiking and outdoor recreation should stock up on special clothing.

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Photo: From the personal archive of Gaukhar Adilbekova

Pediatrician of the city polyclinic №11 in Almaty Gaukhar Aldibekova

Experts advise to wear clothes that cover the body as much as possible, and also apply creams, ointments, essential oils or other fragrances. You can also use special aerosols and anti-mosquito coils.

But what to do if a mosquito or midge still bit, and the bite site is severely swollen and itchy?

I am also bitten by mosquitoes: an official joined the challenge # bitten pavlodar

It is known that only females bite in mosquitoes.They sense you three kilometers away. They are attracted by the smell of sweat, body heat and carbon dioxide breath.

Midges are much smaller than mosquitoes and can bite completely unnoticed. Substances in the saliva of midges temporarily numb the bite, so at first this may not be noticed. Over time, you will feel itching, redness, and burning. Like mosquitoes, mosquitoes are attracted to the smell of sweat and light-colored clothing.

How to distinguish a mosquito bite from a midge bite

Gaukhar Aldibekova, a pediatrician of the city polyclinic # 11 in Almaty, told Sputnik Kazakhstan that after a midge bite, the swelling is more extensive and painful.

How mosquitoes choose their prey – biologist

“This is due to the bite method. The mosquito bites a person using the proboscis, with which it digs into the epithelium. The mosquito cuts the skin and injects saliva, which is rich in enzymes and toxins that prevent the wound from healing. Itching and burning appear the next day and are much worse than with a mosquito bite. A midge bite heals for a very long time, “the doctor explained.

Why mosquito and midge bites are dangerous

The medic also said for whom insect bites are most dangerous and what is the best way to smear them so that they do not itch.

According to her, the bites of mosquitoes and midges are non-toxic, but at this moment an anticoagulant (a substance that prevents blood clotting – Sputnik) gets under the human skin.

Residents of Nur-Sultan were asked to treat mosquitoes and midges with understanding

“Any insect bites cause a serious allergic reaction (kulicidosis), intoxication of the body, up to respiratory arrest. An allergic reaction in a child is observed more often than in adults, since the child’s body is still weak and not used to all sorts of toxins and poisons,” she noted doctor.

Proven folk remedies for bites

To prevent mosquito and midge bites from scratching, you need to wash the skin surface with clean cold water, preferably with simple laundry soap or saline, says Gaukhar Aldibekova.

Also, according to her, you can press down the bite sites with your fingers or objects for a few minutes.

“To relieve itching, you need to apply a cold compress with a solution of soda (half a teaspoon in a glass of water). You can also treat the bite with solutions of antiseptics on a water or alcohol basis (furacillin, chlorhexidine), and then lubricate with antihistamine cream, gel or ointment”, – added the pediatrician.

As an example, she cited such popular drugs as Fenistil gel, Psilobalm, Elokom, Bepanten.

Why is it dangerous to scratch an insect bite and how to treat

The doctor warns that you should not comb the insect bite, as an infection can get into the wound. This is especially true for children. If the child is too young, the parents should monitor this. In case of infection, the doctor advises to smear the bite site with Levomekol 1-2 times a day until complete healing.In addition, the child needs to be given antihistamines and plenty of drink, added Aldibekova.

If you nevertheless combed the bite site, then it can be treated with saline and soda solution, or an antipruritic talker in the form of Calamin or Psilobalm, or anointed with brilliant green.

90,000 Who is most often bitten by mosquitoes and how to hide from them

Who is most often bitten by mosquitoes and how to hide from them

Mosquitoes annoying in the summertime can not only be unpleasant, but also dangerous.Fortunately, especially dangerous insects are not found in our area, but it is important to know when the bite of an ordinary mosquito can cause serious harm. How not to be their “favorite” and avoid the attack of bloodsuckers?

Whom do mosquitoes choose as their prey

Scientists agree that the mosquito targets a source of heat and carbon dioxide. Several studies have shown that there are three steps to selecting a bite target.First, the insect uses its sense of smell. Already 50 meters from a person, a mosquito can feel carbon dioxide exhaled by it. Then sight comes to the rescue of the mosquito. He sees his victim at a distance of 15 meters, dark objects attract his attention more. However, it will not be fooled by a plant or a stone, because the mosquito chooses from those objects that have passed the initial selection. Having approached the victim by three meters, the mosquito already feels warm and prepares for a bite.

Why do some people find themselves more popular with mosquitoes than others at a picnic or fishing? A pregnant woman or a fat person can become a favorite of mosquitoes, as they emit more heat and carbon dioxide.Scientists argue that mosquito selection can be influenced by the microflora of the skin. In one study, 346 chemicals were identified in the human palm, 277 of which may be attractive to different types of mosquitoes. Earlier it was found that mosquitoes are attracted by lactic acid and ammonia, released in sweat. It turns out that playing sports on the street can be dangerous.

There is also a version that the first blood group is more attractive for these insects. Several studies have shown that drinking alcohol, particularly beer, increases the risk of being bitten.People who take vitamin B, on the other hand, are less interested in mosquitoes.

Who did not hide – the mosquito is not to blame

100% mosquito repellent guarantee – stay at home. And if, nevertheless, there is a need to go outside to be torn to pieces by them, then it is better to cover the surface of the skin as much as possible, put on clothes with long sleeves and made of dense fabric. Repellents can be used, but not all are equally effective.

For babies sleeping outside in a stroller, a mosquito net will not be superfluous.If mosquitoes attack at home, then such a net can also be used near the crib.

It is a bad idea to brush off mosquitoes unless you want to tell them, “Hi, I’m here.” Excessive gestures will only speed up blood circulation and increase the production of carbon dioxide, besides, mosquitoes do not have very good eyesight, but they can see movement perfectly.

After bite

There is an optimistic view that the more mosquitoes bite you in early summer, the less you will react to bites later, as your immune system gets activated.

Usually, a local reaction appears to an insect bite: redness, swelling, itching, and sometimes pain. Moreover, it is individual for different people, and also depends on the location of the bite. One person may develop swelling, while another will not notice a mosquito bite at all.

For a child, insect bites can be particularly unpleasant or even painful, but usually the pain decreases or goes away completely the next day. However, if the baby has a severe allergic reaction, or has been bitten in the mouth or throat, see a doctor.

Call a doctor immediately if there is swelling of the face, lips, tongue, throat or shortness of breath. Anaphylactic reactions can be fatal. It usually occurs within 20 minutes after the bite and no later than two hours after it. You should also consult a doctor if the child has previously had a serious reaction to insect bites.

At home, first aid is to relieve pain or swelling by applying a cold compress. The main thing is not to rub the bite site.If the child is bitten in the mouth, you can let him suck on an ice cube or drink cold water.

Seek medical attention if a local reaction – redness or swelling – persists for a long time. And also if an infection is suspected: when the swelling and pain intensify in a day or two, the temperature rises.

90,000 Mosquito repellent – after bites, protection against mosquito bites, folk remedies – June 3, 2021

Summer begins, and with it the most annoying insects appear – mosquitoes.
Mosquito bites are not only unpleasant, they can also lead to serious illnesses such as malaria or severe allergic reactions. In addition, mosquitoes are carriers of parasites. Perhaps this is enough to take measures and protect yourself from meeting with these insects.

Who is most often bitten by mosquitoes

The myths that mosquitoes fly towards light or red have long been debunked by scientists. A mosquito is attracted by something completely different: strong odors, sweat, active blood circulation, carbon dioxide emitted by humans.

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In this regard, at risk are:

• Pregnant women;
• Children;
• People who are intoxicated.

Also, scientists have found that most often people with blood group I become victims of mosquitoes – according to studies, they are bitten much more often than owners of other groups.

How to repel mosquitoes on the street

All mosquito control products can be roughly divided into two types: those that are applied to the body, and those that repel the smell from the side.All of them have proven effectiveness, their difference is only in compositions, forms of release and time of action.

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Mosquito repellent

• Sprays and creams for body and clothes. These products are made on the basis of diethyltoluamide (DEET) – this is one of the most powerful and toxic repellents that repels mosquitoes, but does not kill them. They are safe for humans if they do not get on the mucous membrane (mouth, eyes). Valid until 8 o’clock.

• Aerosols for the protection of the territory. Unlike the former, they are safer, since they are not applied to the body and clothing, but are sprayed onto the surrounding bushes, trees, pieces of furniture. The action lasts about 6 hours.

• Ultrasonic mosquito repellents. Generates a high frequency sound that repels not only mosquitoes, but other annoying insects as well. They are effective both outdoors and indoors, and do not cause discomfort to a person.

• Mosquito repellent bracelets. The principle of action is a special impregnation with a protective agent, the aroma of which repels mosquitoes.

• Electrical trap. This is a portable device that lures mosquitoes into its space with the help of evaporating carbon dioxide. Once trapped, mosquitoes are poisoned with a special poison and die.

Folk remedies for mosquitoes

• Vanilla. The pleasant smell of vanilla is very disliked by mosquitoes.In order to protect yourself in this way, it is recommended to dilute a teaspoon of vanillin in a glass of water, moisten a cotton swab with the resulting solution and wipe open skin areas.

• Carnation. The smell of cloves is just as bad for mosquitoes as the smell of vanilla. To prepare a deterrent solution, you need to pour a tablespoon of cloves with cold water, bring to a boil and cool the broth. Treat the skin or spray the resulting solution on clothing.

• Essential oils. Essential oils of clove, anise, orange, cedar, lavender, tea tree, geranium, mint, thyme can be used to fight off the natural body odor that attracts mosquitoes. It is recommended to apply a few drops of oil to exposed areas of the body or to clothing, tent or furniture around you.

• Basil and wormwood. A good option for those who do not like to put on oils and other products.To protect yourself from insects in this way, you just need to take a twig of one of these plants with you.

• Lemon and eucalyptus. The combination of these odors is considered to be very effective against mosquitoes. It is recommended to mix 10 ml of eucalyptus oil with the juice of one lemon and apply to exposed areas of the body.

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How to Get Rid of Indoor Mosquitoes

The most popular indoor mosquito control method is Fumigants – smoke based products.An example of such a remedy is the mosquito coil, which ignites and slowly melts, releasing smoke that is deadly for mosquitoes.

Another equally effective tool – electrofumigators – devices powered by the mains. A plate or container with a gel is inserted inside such a device, which, when heated, releases substances dangerous to mosquitoes.

You can also use all of the above folk remedies in the house.

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How to treat mosquito bites

If you are still bitten by a mosquito, and the bite site turns red and itches, you must follow these steps:

1.Take an antihistamine. Since an insect bite can cause a strong allergic reaction, it is better to immediately take the medicine (suprastin, fenistil or zodak) than to wait for complications;

2. Treat the bite site with an antiseptic agent: miramistin, chlorhexidine.

3. If necessary, use ointments for bites that are sold in pharmacies (for example, bepanten or fenistil gel for severe itching).

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Allergy to insect bites: symptoms, first aid

There are about one billion insect species in the world – these are the most common living creatures on the planet.Contact with them is often unpredictable, invisible and can lead to the development of insect allergy¹. As a result, either an easy local or systemic reaction occurs, which can even cause death.

Insect allergens can cause a reaction if they enter the body together with poison when stinging bees, wasps and other hymenoptera, with saliva when bitten by dipterans (mosquitoes, mosquitoes, etc.), by contact and inhalation2.

is the level of allergy
to stinging insects among the population in a number of regions of Russia³

The venom of stinging insects consists of a variety of biologically active substances that cause allergic and toxic (toxic) effects.The biogenic amines present in it lead to expansion and increase in vascular permeability, cause pain. Peptides and phospholipids lead to the development of toxic effects. And the cause of allergic reactions is high-molecular proteins and enzymes¹, ⁴.

For example, when a bee venom enters the body of a healthy person, it can lead to the development of local reactions – redness, swelling and pain at the site of the lesion, which are resolved after a few hours, such a reaction is due to the toxic effect of the poison.

In persons sensitized to insect venom, a local allergic reaction manifests itself in the form of redness and swelling up to 10 centimeters or more at the site of the sting. These manifestations of allergies are accompanied by severe itching and persist for at least a day⁴.

A systemic allergic reaction is accompanied by damage to the skin, respiratory organs, cardiovascular and digestive systems, as well as the nervous system. A weak form of the reaction manifests itself in the form of a rash, itching, general malaise, feelings of anxiety; in a pronounced degree, angioedema, dizziness, pain in the heart and abdomen can be added to the symptoms.A severe reaction is characterized by laryngeal edema, hoarseness, bronchospasm¹, ⁴. Anaphylactic shock may develop within a few moments after the sting, ⁴.

There is an important regularity: the faster the reaction started, the harder it proceeds¹.

found in the saliva of a mosquito, capable of provoking the development of allergies⁵.

Allergic reactions to blood-sucking insects usually occur six to eight hours after contact, increasing within two days¹.Most often, they proceed according to the following scheme: entering the human body, foreign proteins form immune complexes with antibodies, which activate the synthesis of mediators responsible for the development of allergy symptoms. Sometimes the reaction can proceed according to type IV.

In most cases, the result of such a “close acquaintance” are local allergic reactions – edema, redness and rash, which differ somewhat from each other depending on the type of insect: when a midge bites, the rashes acquire the character of erysipelas , and a mosquito bite manifests itself as itchy nodular rash¹.

Systemic allergic reactions to bites of blood-sucking insects are extremely rare. They manifest as urticaria, Quincke’s edema or bronchospasm, sometimes anaphylactic shock¹.

In addition to poison and saliva, waste products or structural proteins of butterflies, cockroaches and other insects can cause an allergic reaction. Their allergens, getting on the mucous membranes, cause the development of allergic rhinitis and conjunctivitis. The reaction can also develop upon contact with insect particles¹, ⁴.Also, people who constantly work with beekeeping products may develop specific allergic dermatitis. Allergy sufferers who react to bee and bumblebee stings develop a cross-allergic reaction to beekeeping products – propolis, wax, royal jelly, honey, cosmetics and medicines that contain these substances¹, ⁶.

Insect allergy can occur as type I, III or IV
allergic reactions¹.

They are typical for the consequences of attacks of stinging insects, less often they are observed with mosquito bites or upon contact with fragments of insect bodies1.Once the allergen is recognized, immunoglobulins E (Ig E) are produced. They attach to mast cells – thereby creating a state of sensitization. Upon repeated exposure, the allergen combines with immunoglobulins E (Ig E) on mast cells, which causes the release of histamine, heparin and other inflammatory mediators that are responsible for the manifestation of allergic reactions⁷. This mechanism underlies the occurrence of anaphylactic shock, allergic rhinitis, urticaria, Quincke’s edema. Typical symptoms can develop within an hour¹.

Allergens of insect saliva and antibodies form immunocomplexes, ⁷, under the influence of which mediators are activated. Mediators ensure the utilization of immune complexes, however, with excessive synthesis, they have a damaging effect on the surrounding tissues7. Type III reactions are manifested in the form of vasculitis, arthritis, nephritis¹.

They appear 24–48 hours after contact with the waste products of insects or the bite of a blood-sucking insect⁷.
Sensitized T-lymphocytes are formed in response to exposure to an allergen.There are receptors on their surface that can interact with the corresponding antigens. When the allergen gets in again, it combines with sensitized lymphocytes, this leads to the release of mediators that cause the development of allergy symptoms⁷. Type IV contact dermatitis, infiltrates (swelling) from bites¹.

First aid scheme for local allergic reactions to bites of blood-sucking and stinging insects does not fundamentally differ
from each other.

The first step is to protect the victim from contact with the allergen
.

If we are talking about stinging, then the sting should be removed so that
does not squeeze the poisonous bag, otherwise it will accelerate the entry of poison into the wound.

Skin disinfection is performed with hydrogen peroxide.

The affected area must be cooled and ensured rest and an elevated position¹, ³.

Further treatment tactics depend on the patient’s condition.If he does not feel general malaise, the swelling at the site of the bite is small, the body temperature is normal, then the problem can be dealt with on his own, using antihistamines and ointments with glucocorticoids.

In case of systemic reactions (high temperature, breathing problems, extensive edema, etc.), urgent hospitalization is required.

Text: Tatiana Sokolenko

Illustrations: Nina Magradze

West Nile Virus

\ n

\ nWest Nile virus (WNV) from genus flavivirus belongs to the antigenic complex of Japanese encephalitis of the family Flaviviridae .

\ n

Outbreaks

\ n

\ nWest Nile virus was first isolated from a woman in the West Nile region of Uganda in 1937. In 1953, it was identified in birds (crows and doves) in the Nile Delta region. Until 1997, WNV was not considered pathogenic for birds. At that time in Israel, a more virulent strain led to the death of various bird species that showed signs of encephalitis and paralysis. Human infections caused by WNV have been registered in many countries of the world for more than 50 years.

\ n

\ nIn 1999, WNV circulating in Tunisia and Israel was introduced to New York, where it led to a large and dramatic outbreak of the disease, which in subsequent years spread to the continental United States of America (USA). An outbreak of WNV in the United States (1999-2010) has shown that the importation and entrenchment of transmissible pathogens outside their current habitat is a serious threat to the world.

\ n

\ nThe largest outbreaks occurred in Israel, Greece, Romania, Russia and the United States.Large migratory routes of birds run through the places of outbreaks. Initially, WZN was distributed in Africa, parts of Europe, the Middle East, Western Asia and Australia. Since its introduction in 1999 in the United States, the virus has spread and is now widely established from Canada to Venezuela.

\ n

Transmission of infection

\ n

\ nInfection of a person most often occurs as a result of the bites of infected mosquitoes. Mosquitoes become infected while feeding on the blood of infected birds – the virus circulates in their blood for several days.Eventually, the virus enters the mosquito’s salivary glands. During its subsequent feeding on blood (during mosquito bites), the virus can enter the body of humans and animals, where it can multiply and lead to illness.

\ n

\ nThe virus can also be transmitted through contact with other infected animals, their blood or other tissues.

\ n

\ nA very small proportion of human infections occur through organ transplantation, blood transfusion and breastfeeding.One case of transplacental transmission of WNV (from mother to child) was registered.

\ n

\ nThere are no documented cases of human-to-human transmission of WNV through safe contact or transmission of WNV to healthcare workers to date, provided that standard infection control precautions are followed.

\ n

\ nCases of transfer of VZN to laboratory workers have been registered.

\ n

Signs and symptoms

\ n

\ nWNV infection is either asymptomatic (in about 80% of infected people) or can lead to West Nile fever or severe West Nile disease.

\ n

\ nApproximately 20% of people infected with WNV develop West Nile fever. Symptoms include fever, headache, fatigue and body aches, nausea, vomiting, sometimes a skin rash (on the trunk), and swollen lymph nodes.

\ n

\ n Symptoms of severe illness (also called neuroinvasive disease), such as West Nile encephalitis or meningitis or West Nile polio, include headache, fever, neck stiffness, confusion, confusion, coma, tremors, seizures, muscle weakness and paralysis.It is estimated that about one in 150 people infected with West Nile virus develops the most severe form of the disease. A person of any age can develop severe illness, but people over 50 and some immunocompromised people (such as transplant patients) are at the highest risk of developing severe illness from WNV infection.

\ n

\ nThe incubation period is usually 3 to 14 days.

\ n

Diagnosis

\ n

\ nWest Nile virus can be diagnosed using a number of different tests:

\ n

\ n
• IgG antibody seroconversion (or significant rise in antibody titers) in two samples taken one week apart, by carrying out an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA).

\ n

• Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) using immobilized IgG antibodies.

\ n

• Neutralization analysis.

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• Detection of viruses by reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR).

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• Isolation of viruses by cell culture.

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\ n

\ nJgG can be detected in almost all cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and serum samples taken from patients infected with WNV at the time of their clinical signs.IgG antibodies can remain in serum for more than one year.

\ n

Treatment and vaccine

\ n

\ nPatients with neuroinvasive West Nile disease receive supportive care, which often requires hospitalization, intravenous fluids, assisted ventilation, and prevention of secondary infections. There is no vaccine for humans.

\ n

Carriers and host animals

\ n

\ nMN virus is maintained in nature due to the “mosquito-bird-mosquito” transmission cycle.Mosquitoes of the genus Culex , in particular Cx, are considered to be the main vectors of WNV. Pipiens . WNV is maintained in mosquito populations through vertical transmission (from adults to eggs).

\ n

\ nBirds are the reservoir hosts of WNV. In Europe, Africa, the Middle East and Asia, bird mortality associated with WNV infection is rare. Conversely, in America, the virus is highly pathogenic for birds. The virus has been detected in more than 250 species of dead and dying birds, but birds from the crow family ( Corvidae ) are especially susceptible.Birds can acquire infection in a variety of ways other than mosquito bites. Different bird species have different potential to maintain the transmission cycle.

\ n

\ nHorses, like humans, are the \ “ultimate \” owners. This means that when they acquire an infection, they do not spread it. Clinical infections in horses are also rare and usually mild, but can lead to neurological disease, including fatal encephalomyelitis.

\ n

Prevention

\ n

Prevention of transmission in horses

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\ nDue to the fact that human cases are preceded by outbreaks of WNV in animals, it is necessary to establish an active surveillance system in animals to detect new infections in birds and horses …This is critical for providing early warning to veterinary services and public health authorities. In America, reporting dead birds to local authorities is essential to help the community.

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\ nVaccines for horses have been developed. Treatment is supportive and carried out in accordance with standard veterinary practices for animals infected with viral pathogens.

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Reducing the risk of human infection

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\ nIn the absence of a vaccine, the only way to reduce human infections is to raise awareness of risk factors and educate people about the steps they can take to reduce their exposure to the virus.

\ n

\ nHealth education should include the following messages:

\ n

\ n
• Reducing the risk of mosquito transmission. Efforts to prevent transmission should primarily focus on personal and community protection against mosquito bites by using mosquito nets and individual repellents, wearing light-colored clothing (long-sleeved shirts and trousers), and avoiding exposure to open air during peak mosquito bites.In addition, there is a need for programs to encourage communities to eliminate mosquito breeding sites in residential areas.

\ n

• Reducing the risk of animal-to-human transmission. Gloves and other protective clothing should be worn when handling sick animals or their tissues and during slaughter and culling procedures.

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• Reducing the risk of transmission through blood transfusions and organ transplants. During an outbreak in affected areas, after assessing the local / regional epidemiological situation, restrictions on blood and organ donations and laboratory testing should be considered.

\ n

\ n

Vector control

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\ n Effective prevention of human infections with WNV depends on the development of comprehensive, integrated surveillance and mosquito control programs in areas where the virus occurs. Research is needed to identify the local mosquito species implicated in WNV transmission, including those that can act as a “bridge” between birds and humans. Particular attention needs to be paid to comprehensive control measures that include source reduction (with community involvement), water management, chemicals and biological control techniques.

\ n

Infection prevention in healthcare settings

\ n

\ nHealthcare professionals caring for patients with suspected or confirmed WNV infection or handling samples from them should follow standard infection control precautions. Specially trained personnel in appropriately equipped laboratories should handle specimens from humans and animals suspected of having WNV infection.

\ n

The WHO response

\ n

\ n The WHO Regional Office for Europe and the WHO Regional Office for the Americas, together with country offices and international partners, are intensively supporting WNV surveillance and outbreak response in Europe and North America, Latin America and the Caribbean.

\ n

“,” datePublished: “2017-10-03T07: 24: 00.0000000 + 00: 00”, “image”: “https://www.who.int/images/default-source/health- topics / west-nile-virus / cx-pipiens-f4671-f-schaffner.png? sfvrsn = 4c4e5bba_4 “,” publisher “: {” @ type “:” Organization “,” name “:” World Health Organization: WHO ” , “logo”: {“@type”: “ImageObject”, “url”: “https://www.who.int/Images/SchemaOrg/schemaOrgLogo.jpg”, “width”: 250, “height”: 60 }}, “dateModified”: “2017-10-03T07: 24: 00.0000000 + 00: 00”, “mainEntityOfPage”: “https://www.who.int/ru/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/ west-nile-virus “,” @context “:” http: // schema.org “,” @ type “:” Article “};

Health Clinic – Insect Bites

Insect bites (sting) is a hot topic at any time of the year, not only for children, but also for adults. The world of insects is very diverse, there are more than a hundred thousand species.

The reaction of the human body is caused not by the punctures themselves that occur during the bite, but by the substances that enter together with the insect bite. The reactions themselves can be both allergic and non-allergic and can vary in degree from mild to severe.

Most often, an allergic reaction occurs to the bites of hymenoptera (bees, wasps, hornets, less often ants), and the bees must be provoked to attack humans, and for example, wasps and hornets are more aggressive in the fall, when their food reserves are depleted. The reaction can be early (develops from 0 to 40 minutes) and late (after 4-6 hours). A local allergic reaction occurs at the site of the bite in the form of redness, swelling, accompanied by soreness, itching.

A systemic, general reaction is also possible – drowsiness, weakness, headache, fever, nausea, vomiting, up to urticaria, anaphylactic shock, Quincke’s edema and bronchospastic syndrome.More than 5 bee stings are toxic, and with an even greater number of them, a fatal outcome is possible.

Bites of mosquitoes, fleas, flies, gadflies – cause local edema, redness, itching. When bedbugs bite, local reactions are more pronounced, general reactions may develop.

Some blood-sucking insects are carriers of serious human diseases – a transmissible route of transmission. So, lice transmit typhus, fleas – plague, mosquitoes – malaria, West Nile encephalitis, ticks – encephalitis, borreliosis, mosquitoes – leishmaniasis, deer horsefly – tularemia.

WHAT CAN WE DO BY YOURSELF?

First of all, it is necessary to rinse the bite site with running water and soap, if a bee, wasp or hornet has bitten and there is a sting – gently remove it with tweezers, trying not to damage the bag of poison. Then apply a gauze napkin with baking soda solution for 10-15 minutes, then apply ice. To relieve itching, redness, apply external agents with diphenhydramine (psilo balm gel) or histane cream, or fenistil gel at the site of the bite.

It is necessary to seek help from a doctor if:
– redness, swelling increases, urticaria appears
– body temperature has increased, headache, nausea, vomiting, cough, suffocation suppuration
– enlarged lymph nodes

The doctor will examine the skin, assess the general condition, and in severe cases will provide the necessary emergency assistance.
For bites, antihistamines are usually prescribed; for bites by ticks and some other insects, blood tests will be needed to determine further treatment tactics.
Prophylaxis: use repellents, special clothing in places most likely to meet blood-sucking and stinging insects. In nature, it is not recommended to wear clothes of bright and dark colors, use perfumes, strong-smelling creams and hair sprays. People with a severe allergic reaction to stinging insect bites should have a first aid kit with them, be able to use it and teach loved ones.

Dogs and mosquitoes: 5 ways to protect yourself

Do mosquitoes bite dogs?

Just as mosquitoes bite humans, they can also bite dogs.Like humans, mosquito bites are uncomfortable and irritating for dogs, and can also cause them to contract dangerous diseases. Fortunately, there are several ways to prevent mosquito bites.

1. Use of repellent

Consult your veterinarian for a suitable mosquito repellent for your dog. Some repellents come in spray form and must be applied before every walk (reapply every few hours).More convenient options include topical treatments such as Advantix ^® Wither Drops, which repels and works against mosquitoes. These insects can carry heartworms in dogs. Plus, the easy-to-use Advantix ^® drops protect your dog from fleas, ticks, lice and other flying insects such as mosquitoes and flies.

Do not use human mosquito repellent. Many of them contain substances that are safe for humans, but extremely dangerous for animals.

2. Avoid being outdoors when mosquitoes are most active

Morning and evening walks are safest, but walking near stagnant water at dawn and dusk, when mosquitoes are most active, should be avoided. This will protect you and your dog from unnecessary bites.

3. Protect your home area from mosquitoes

Keep mosquitoes out of your yard, use spray or natural repellent around your home, such as citronella candles.Also, watch out for stagnant water: dog bowls, empty flower pots, bird drinkers, ponds, children’s pools, and yard drainage problems can attract mosquitoes.

4. Check the entrances to the house

Keep mosquitoes out of your home. Check the screens on windows and doors for holes and repair or replace as needed.

5. Prevent heartworm infections in dogs with regular procedures

Preventive measures will help reduce the risk of mosquito bites for your dog, it is almost impossible to eliminate them completely.This is why regular use of heartworm medication is vital to your dog’s health and wellness. Check with your veterinarian for the recommended course of treatment to protect your pet from potentially dangerous bites.

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