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What Are the Common Mosquito Bites on Long Island and what to do about them?


What Are the Common Mosquito Bites?

Mosquito bites are a common part of summer, but several different mosquitoes can attack. Here are the most common types of mosquito bites:

 

1. Asian Tiger Bites

Asian tiger mosquitoes are mosquitoes commonly found in forests. They are the exotic kind and resemble the white tiger stripes on their back and the center of the head from which they got their name.

In addition, they originated from Southeast Asia, and they are the most active during the daytime. Ensure to stay away from these species as they can transmit many harmful diseases like West Nile Virus, Zika Virus, dengue fever, etc.

Symptoms

As mentioned above, these mosquitoes can transmit the chikungunya virus. Although it is not detrimental, it can cause alarming symptoms like fever, nausea, rashes, ache, headache, and fatigue.

2. Gallinipper Mosquito Bite

Gallinippers are common in Florida, Fort Myers, and Lee Country. They have existed for some time, but they are most commonly found in agricultural and rural areas and not much in residential neighborhoods.

The hatching season of their eggs is after the occurrences of tropical rainstorms because that is when their eggs get wet and hatch. They are a great concern during the summer, so people should watch them. However, they may appear easy to spot as they are 20 times larger than an average mosquito.

Symptoms

Redness and swelling may appear in the area of the bite. They don’t cause diseases and rarely carry dangerous pathogens, but the bite can irritate.

3. House Mosquito Bite

Almost a dozen of their species are found in the United Alones. They lay eggs anywhere as long as it contains stagnant water, such as birdbaths, lakes, sewage, and water drains. These mosquitoes bite animals and humans and are most active at night.

They may carry deadly diseases as well. The adults most often stay around toys, old tires, and gutters where there are great collections of water that are their favorite breeding places.

Symptoms

House mosquito bites are so common that you may not think twice about them. But if you’re allergic to the saliva the mosquito injects during a bite; you could experience an itchy red bump or hives. Some people also develop a rash at the site of the bite.

4. Malaria Mosquito Bite

Malaria mosquito bites happen when a common mosquito carrying the parasite Plasmodium infects a person. A single bite can be detrimental and cause malaria. They are common in tropical and subtropical countries and have killed many people in the past years.

Symptoms

The symptoms can be highly unpleasant, accompanied by chills, headaches, sweating, diarrhea, and vomiting. If not treated properly, it can be deadly.

How to Treat Mosquito Bites?

Mosquito bites can be very annoying and often painful. They can leave you with a skin irritation that can last for days. Fortunately, many home remedies can help reduce the itching and swelling of mosquito bites.

1. Basil

Basil is an herb often used in cooking. It’s been used for over 1000 years as a home remedy for ailments. Also, it can help mosquito bites as it contains eugenol, which can reduce itchiness. After boiling 2 cups of water and adding half an ounce of leaves, rub it on the infected area.

2. Ice

Ice helps reduce the swelling and inflammation of your skin caused by a mosquito bite. By keeping the area around your bite cold, you can prevent any further irritation or pain from developing.

Place some crushed ice inside a plastic bag and wrap it around your bite for 10-20 minutes. Do this several times throughout the day if needed. The coldness will slow down the blood flow to your skin and reduce inflammation.

3. Honey

This is one of the most commonly used remedies for bites and stings because it contains a wide range of nutrients and antibacterial properties that soothe the skin, reduce swelling and inflammation, and prevent infection.

Honey is also very easy to use, especially when out in the woods or at a campsite without first aid kits.

4. Baking Soda

Baking soda helps strengthen the anti-inflammatory response, making it an effective remedy for reducing swelling and itchiness. Dissolve 1 tablespoon and add water to create a paste consistency. Let it stay for 10 minutes. If irritation occurs, stop with the application.

5. Soap and Water

Soap and water are great ways to relieve mosquito bites and prevent itching. A soap-like Ivory helps dry out the area, removing saliva that can be irritating and cause itching. This remedy is especially helpful if you have sensitive skin and find commercial anti-itch products too harsh for your skin.

6. Cream

When treating a mosquito bite with cream, you should ensure that you get a cream containing aloe vera because this will help soothe and cool down your skin after being bitten by a mosquito.

Aloe vera has been useful for many years as an ingredient in many different products such as lotions and moisturizers because it’s known for its ability to heal wounds quickly while keeping them moisturized so they don’t dry out too fas