Summertime in Tampa may include days by the water, sunbathing, and, unfortunately, fending off mosquitoes. But what should you do if you’re bitten by a mosquito in Tampa? Here’s what local residents should know about what mosquito bites look like, how to stop them from itching, how to treat mosquito bites, and how to get rid of mosquitoes with pest control in Tampa.
What Do Mosquito Bites Look Like?
So, you’ve found a bug bite on your skin – how do you know if a mosquito is the culprit? Mosquito bites tend to look like puffy, small, raised bumps on your skin. You may notice that the bite is lighter or redder than the skin around it, and most of the time, these bites tend to be isolated instead of in clusters.
While many mosquito bites appear on exposed skin around your arms, legs, or your ankles, they don’t have to be on exposed skin. Mosquitoes are one of the few pests that can bite you through clothing if the fabric is thin and well-fitting.
Keep in mind that not everyone has the same reaction to mosquito bites. While most people have mild swelling and itchiness, some people can have more severe reactions. This is called Skeeter’s Syndrome, and it occurs when someone is allergic to a protein in mosquito saliva.
If someone has Skeeter’s Syndrome, the bite may swell up to an extremely large size, become painful, and the person may even develop a fever. If you suspect you are suffering from Skeeter’s Syndrome, you should always seek medical attention.
How To Stop Mosquito Bites From Itching?
One of the most annoying parts about having a mosquito bite is the itchiness, which can last several days as the bite heals. Not only is it a nuisance, but too much itching could even break the skin and lead to a blister or, in rare cases, a secondary skin infection.
The reason that mosquito bites itch is because mosquitoes inject their saliva when they suck your blood. Your body recognizes this saliva as a foreign substance, and it triggers your immune system – hence the itching.
Fortunately, there are some ways you can counteract this unpleasant side effect, such as:
- Use a lidocaine or benzocaine topical treatment on the bite. These are topical agents that will numb the area, and if you’ve got a lidocaine or benzocaine cream on hand, it could stop the itching while the bite heals.
- Use an antihistamine. Over-the-counter antihistamines can reduce inflammation in your body, which may relieve the itchiness and swelling. These can be taken orally or applied topically.
- Apply some aloe vera gel. Aloe vera gel has anti-inflammatory and healing properties, so it may reduce swelling and promote healing in the spot where you’ve been bitten. Other topical creams, such as calamine lotion, may also be helpful in temporarily relieving the itching from mosquito bites.
If you’re using one of these treatments for the first time, it’s always a good idea to double-check with your doctor before using a new topical cream or treatment.
What To Put On Mosquito Bites
Besides topical treatments you can put on mosquito bites to stop the itching, what should you put on a mosquito bite, and how can you treat the bite?
Here’s what you should do if you find you’ve been bitten by a mosquito:
- Resist the urge to itch the bite, and gently clean the area with soap and water.
- Use an icepack on the area for five to ten minutes to reduce swelling and some of the itching.
- If the bite is still itching a lot, you can apply a lidocaine cream, aloe vera, or take an antihistamine to relieve it.
The bite should heal within three to four days, and scratching the area is only likely to prolong the healing process.
How to Keep Mosquitoes Away From You And Your Family
While you may not be able to completely keep mosquitoes out of yard or prevent bites, you can significantly reduce mosquito populations by working with EcoTech Pest Control Services. With more than a decade of experience, our effective treatments can help you get rid of mosquitoes in Florida that are causing you trouble.
If you’re constantly treating mosquito bites, there’s only one thing to do – contact us today at EcoTech Pest Control Services to learn more about how our mosquito control program can help you.
