Mosquito Bites Itch, But Why?

The answer to why mosquito bites itch involves a complex chemistry in mosquito saliva that helps them feed

In our day-to-day lives, it is a standard experience to encounter a few everyday irritants, and one of the biggest ones during the outdoor living season is the mosquito. Often viewed as an inevitable visitor that accompanies our fine summer weather, mosquitoes are incredibly common in our region thanks to ideal moisture and habitat conditions, clashing directly with our outdoor lifestyles. Many insects tend to go about their business without interrupting humans, yet many mosquitoes couldn’t survive without parasitizing us. Blood meals are a vital first step in the mosquito’s reproductive process, and this means you, your family, and your guests are on the menu in your backyard, often resulting in painful and itchy bites. But why do mosquito bites itch?

Why Mosquito Bites Itch

On a macroscopic level, it makes sense to assume that mosquitoes simply insert their mouths into our skin, where they can then easily siphon blood. Zoom in a little closer, and the story is much more complex and explains why their bites cause such irritation. Unlike a hypodermic needle, which is sterilized at the doc’s office and is inserted directly into the skin without moving around, a mosquito’s mouth works much differently. In the hunt for blood, a mosquito can probe under the skin with extendable mouth parts that seek out the ideal blood vessel to pierce. Once such a vessel is located, a complex chemical process takes place: the mosquito’s saliva interacts with our blood and temporarily prevents our platelets from clogging the hole from which the mosquito sources its meal. In combination, the probing mouth parts and anticoagulative saliva can cause pain, irritation, and itchy welts to form on our skin. The classic signs of a recent mosquito bite. 

We typically view mosquito bites as inevitable in our region, just a matter of time before we get an itchy one, but what if there was a way to keep mosquitoes at bay without the need for bug spray?

Glastonbury Mosquito Control Makes a Huge Difference

You’re not alone in the fight against mosquitoes. At Mosquito Squad, we’ve worked for over two decades to provide our region with mosquito control solutions they can feel confident in, and we are ready to do just that for you! With the help of our mosquito barrier treatments, you can expect up to an 85-90% reduction in the mosquito population on your property for three weeks per treatment application, providing you with the peace of mind and relaxation you deserve. The outdoor living season is fleeting, and with our help you can make the most of it!

For mosquito control in Glastonbury, look no further than our team at Mosquito Squad to provide you with top-tier treatments and expertise to help you reclaim your property from these pests. Give our team at Mosquito Squad a call today at (860) 356-3953 for great service and great prices!