Could I Be Allergic To The Mosquitoes In Reno?
About Mosquitoes In Reno
There are a few common types of mosquitoes found in the Reno area, including:
- Asian tiger mosquitoes – At about 1/8 inch long, these mosquitoes are recognizable for their black and white stripes.
- Yellow fever mosquitoes – These mosquitoes grow between 1/4 and 3/8 inches in size. They have black and white scales with red underbellies.
- Southern house mosquitoes – Southern house mosquitoes are about 1/6 inch long and have a brown coloration with white bands on the abdomen.
While each species has its differences, they share one thing in common: the need to feed on blood. Mosquitoes bite because the nutrition found in the blood is necessary for them to reproduce. Only female mosquitoes drink blood, and once they’ve had their fill, they can successfully lay their eggs.
Why Mosquito Bites Cause Allergic Reactions
Just about everyone is allergic to mosquito bites, or more specifically, mosquito saliva. The saliva is injected into the skin as an anesthetic, preventing you from feeling the mosquito as it pierces your skin with its straw-like proboscis. This saliva generally causes a minor allergic reaction, resulting in localized swelling, redness, and itching at the site of the bite.
However, some folks react more strongly to mosquito bites than others. This phenomenon, sometimes known as “skeeter syndrome,” is characterized by abnormal and substantial swelling around mosquito bites, occasionally encompassing entire limbs. The inflammation usually occurs quickly, within hours or minutes, and is accompanied by intense warmth, itching, or pain.
In some cases, skeeter syndrome also comes with fever, nausea, and breathing difficulties. And in the most extreme instances, bruising and blistering of the skin have been known to occur. While there are no known cases of anaphylaxis as a result of mosquito allergies, symptoms can be severe enough to warrant emergency medical attention.
How To Prevent Mosquitoes
While you can’t completely stop mosquitoes from flying onto your Reno property, you can take steps to reduce their presence and help to prevent an allergic reaction. Some easy mosquito prevention tips you can try are:
- Remove standing water – Check your property for any containers collecting rainwater and dump them out. Drain or fill any large puddles on your property.
- Trim the hedges – Keep up with yardwork to eliminate the hiding spots mosquitoes love. Mow the lawn regularly and give any bushes, hedges, or shrubs a good trim.
- Treat your pool – If you have a swimming pool, be sure to treat the water with the proper chemicals and to keep the water moving at all times. When not in use, be sure to keep the pool covered.
- Wear light colors – Mosquitoes seem to prefer victims in dark-colored clothing for reasons that aren't entirely clear. When outdoors in mosquito-infested areas, try wearing whites, tans, or pastel colors.
- Mind your body heat – People who have recently exercised, pregnant women, and people with alcohol in their bloodstream are more likely to be targeted by mosquitoes. If you’re feeling warm, try staying indoors.
If you suffer from severe allergic reactions to mosquito bites, you know how important mosquito control can be. That’s why if you’ve got mosquitoes on your Reno property, the best way to deal with the problem is with Natura Pest Control. Get in touch with us today to learn how our mosquito control solutions can help you!
