Yes, mosquitoes are notorious for their bites. Female mosquitoes use their long proboscis to pierce the skin and feed on blood. They don’t only bite humans; they also target small birds and mammals. These bites can leave itchy marks, rashes, or swelling on the skin. Beyond discomfort, mosquito bites can transmit diseases in many parts of the world. Fortunately, mosquito-borne illnesses in Southampton are rare, but avoiding bites is still important for comfort and health.
What Causes Mosquitoes to Bite?
Female mosquitoes bite to obtain essential nutrients from blood, including iron, proteins, and amino acids. These nutrients are critical for the development of their eggs. Once a female mosquito has fed, she is ready to reproduce and lay eggs. While we commonly call this “biting,” the female is actually piercing your skin with her proboscis, similar to a tiny needle.
The proboscis contains two separate tubes, unlike the single tube of a hypodermic syringe. One tube injects saliva that contains chemicals to reduce pain, thin the blood, and prevent clotting, while the other tube draws the blood into the mosquito.
Male mosquitoes do not bite, feeding only on nectar and plant juices. This means they are completely harmless to humans, though they still play a role in the mosquito life cycle.
Can Mosquitoes Bite Dogs and Cats?
Yes, pets are at risk of mosquito bites, including cats, dogs, and other household animals. Cats are less likely to be bitten because of their thicker fur, though areas like the ears and nose remain vulnerable. Dogs, on the other hand, can easily be targeted and bitten multiple times. Aside from causing itchy irritation, mosquitoes can transmit diseases such as heartworm to dogs, which can be serious if left untreated.
Common Mosquito Bite Reactions in Southampton
Mosquitoes tend to bite where the skin is exposed. Even brief outdoor activity can leave you vulnerable. The most common mosquito bite symptoms include:
- Itching: Scratching mosquito bites can make the irritation worse and may cause bruising or rashes. It’s best to avoid scratching to prevent further discomfort.
- Red Bumps: Pinkish-red bumps, usually small and less than ½ inch in diameter, appear within minutes of a mosquito bite. Over the next day or two, they can become darker, more inflamed, and often feel itchy and tender.
- Serious Symptoms: In severe cases, mosquito bites can lead to fever, intense headaches, nausea, and fatigue. Always seek medical attention if you experience these symptoms.
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What Do Mosquitoes Feed On?
Many assume mosquitoes rely solely on blood for sustenance, but that isn’t true. Blood feeding is limited to females, who need it to produce eggs. The foods mosquitoes consume vary throughout their development, including the following:
- Larvae: As larvae, mosquitoes feed on algae, bacteria, and other organic material found in the water where they develop.
- Pupae: During the pupal stage, mosquitoes do not feed at all and focus on developing into adults.
- Adults: Adult mosquitoes, both male and female, feed primarily on nectar from flowering plants to gain energy.
- Adult Females: Female mosquitoes also feed on blood from humans, birds, small mammals, snakes, and other animals to obtain nutrients needed for reproduction.
How Do Male and Female Mosquito Diets Differ?
Only female mosquitoes bite to obtain blood, but males have a completely different diet. Here’s how male and female mosquitoes differ:
- Male Mosquitoes: Male mosquitoes do not consume blood. They survive on the sugars found in plant nectar, using their proboscis to draw it from flowers. Because they do not bite, males are not responsible for transmitting diseases.
- Female Mosquitoes: Female mosquitoes require a blood meal in order to reproduce. Once they have fed, they can breed and lay their eggs. In addition to blood, females also feed on nectar, which makes up a significant portion of their diet.
Can Mosquitoes Survive Without Blood or Nectar?
Mosquitoes have limited lifespans, which means they cannot go very long without feeding. Female mosquitoes, in particular, may only survive a few days if they don’t secure a meal. Their survival hinges on both energy and nutrients to continue their life cycle. When winter arrives and they enter dormancy, they can survive for months without food. Still, in most cases, mosquitoes die quickly without access to nourishment.
If you notice mosquitoes buzzing around your Southampton property, reach out to East End Tick & Mosquito Control®, your local mosquito exterminators, without delay.