Mosquitoes can quickly spoil the fun of a picnic, camping trip or a barbecue. Not only do they buzz around your ears, but also they bite with their mouthpart, which causes an itchy bite.

Identifying a Mosquito Bite

You will often catch a mosquito in the act of stinging your body: that’s the most obvious way of identifying what caused your skin to itch and burn. Mosquito bites swell in a circular pattern that turns pink or red. Bites usually cause intense itchiness: refrain from scratching because you might break your skin, which can allow an infection to enter your body.

Dangers of Mosquito Bites

Luckily, the Anopheles mosquito, which causes malaria, does not occur in the United States. But if you visit Mexico, Africa or another equatorial country such as southern Asia, always wear repellent and sleep under a mosquito net. West Nile virus is a form of encephalitis. It can occur in one percent of mosquitoes in the U.S. and only one percent of people who get stung by one of several species of the Culex mosquito come down with serious illness.

Relieve The Itch With Simple Home Remedies

• Baking soda is alkaline, which makes it good for relieving any itch. Combine 1 tsp of soda in 1 cup of water and then soak a clean cloth in the solution. Place it on your bite and allow it to remain for up to 20 minutes.

• Lemons reduce inflammation and numb the skin. Cut a lemon in half and rub the cut edge on your bite. For enhanced effectiveness, add a few freshly crushed basil leaves.

• Onions and garlic will soothe the itch and also repel future mosquitoes. Mince a small amount of onion or garlic and smear it onto your bite. After several minutes remove the goo and wash your skin.

• Comfrey is a classic remedy for many skin problems. Chop up several comfrey leaves and simmer them in two cups of water for 20 minutes. After it cools, apply a wad of it on your bite and tape it in place. Leave it on until the itching is gone.

• Use fresh aloe vera if available, or use bottled gel. Chill it for 15 minutes and then smear it directly on your bite.

• Drop a little tea tree oil onto a cotton ball and rub it on your bite.

Don’t let mosquitoes bug you! Protect yourself and your loved ones from the dangerous mosquito bites. Call Preventive Pest Control today for affordable and effective mosquito control.