Bug bites are one of summer’s biggest annoyances… right up there with Friday afternoon traffic on the LIE. Mosquito bites are particularly aggravating; their itching and swelling are hard to ignore. Why do mosquito bites itch so much? And what can be done to relieve the misery they cause?

Mosquito bites itch because of a reaction to proteins in the insect’s saliva. When a mosquito bites, it pierces the skin with its proboscis and feeds on blood. At the same time, the mosquito’s saliva is being injected into the skin. When the body registers the presence of the saliva, the immune system sends the chemical histamine to the site of the puncture – which leads to itching and inflammation.

Can a Mosquito Bite Make You Itch All Over?

While most individuals have only minor, localized reactions to a mosquito bite, some experience more widespread symptoms. All-over itching is rare, but it may occur with a severe mosquito allergy.

Skeeter syndrome is another type of allergic reaction to mosquito saliva. Symptoms include excessive itching, pain, and swelling in a larger area than a typical bite. This may be accompanied by fever or other flu-like symptoms. Currently, there’s no medical test for this condition… so it is diagnosed by determining if the reaction occurred after a mosquito bite.

How Long Do Mosquito Bites Keep Itching?

Mosquito bites usually begin itching and swelling within 20-30 minutes. The itching should peak within 24-48 hours and be gone in 3-4 days. In some cases, it may take up to a week for the bite to heal completely.

What Takes the Itch Out of a Mosquito Bite?

Being proactive can take some of the itch out of a mosquito bite. There are several steps you can take to reduce itching and swelling:

Apply an ice pack for 10 minutes, reapplying as needed. (In a pinch, apply an ice cube directly to the bite for 30 seconds).
Apply a paste of baking soda and water several times per day.
Use an over the counter (OTC) anti-itch lotion or cream like calamine lotion, antihistamine cream, or corticosteroid cream. Be sure to use the product as directed.
Take an OTC oral antihistamine like loratadine or cetirizine for stronger reactions.
Avoid scratching. It may seem counterintuitive, but the more you scratch, the more it irritates the bite, and the more it itches.

East End Tick and Mosquito Control® Keeps Your Home and Yard Mosquito-Free

For most people, mosquito bites are just a temporary nuisance. Unfortunately, mosquito bites can also transmit debilitating or even deadly diseases… which is why it’s so important to keep your home and yard mosquito-free.

East End Tick & Mosquito Control is Long Island’s mosquito elimination expert. In addition to traditional pest control methods, we offer organic and environmentally friendly mosquito treatments – as well as the smart device enabled Thermacell mosquito repellent systems. For more information or to schedule an appointment, contact us online or call (631) 324-9700 in East Hampton; (631) 287-9700 in Southampton; or (631) 654-9700 in Southold.