There are approx 200 different species of mosquitoes flying around the US, and we’re feeling them now more than ever as the weather starts to warm up. No one expects the cost of summer clothing to be uncomfortable red bumps.
As mosquito season approaches, USA TODAY has provided you with tips and tricks to make encounters with these pests more bearable. If you are looking for tips about how to get rid of mosquito breeding in your yard, questions about mosquitoes as a species or questions about caring for mosquitoes, you are in the right place.
![Mosquito bites are usually harmless, but in some areas of the world they can be life-threatening.](https://www.usatoday.com/gcdn/-mm-/732b0bc7db338eba47a2050d83611e7e157753e7/c=0-52-550-361/local/-/media/2016/04/21/USATODAY/usatsports/mosquito.jpg?width=550&height=309&fit=crop&format=pjpg&auto=webp)
How to get rid of mosquito bites
Mosquito bites can be uncomfortable and itchy, but there are ways to provide home remedies or over-the-counter ointments. You also want to wash the bite with hot soapy water, which helps remove any bacteria. Be careful of scratching, which can lead to infection.
According to the dermatologist Dr. Elizabeth Houshmandhere are some ways to calm and cool the skin while quickly resolving the bite:
- Ice
- Cold compresses, such as an ice pack or wet facecloth
- Hydrocortisone creams
- Anti-itch lotions
- Oral antihistamines
You can also try mixing a tablespoon of baking soda with a little water to make a paste, which is recommended by the Centers for Disease Control. Apply the paste to the bite and wait 10 minutes before washing it off.
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What does a mosquito bite look like?
Mosquito bites are common swollen, red or brown lumps, but they can also appear as small blisters or a dark, bruise-like appearance. They may appear minutes after the bite but may take up to a day to appear.
How long does a mosquito bite last?
Mosquito bites usually subside within a few hours, says Dr. Houshmand, but it can take up to a few days.
How to get rid of mosquitoes:Keep pests and their eggs out of your home this summer
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When to worry about a mosquito bite
Mosquitoes are small creatures, but they should be taken seriously. According to World Health Organization estimates, mosquitoes that carry life-threatening diseases kill about 725,000 people every year.
The red, bumpy marks could be your everyday mosquito bite, but it could also be other types of insect bites like tick or spider bite. Long-lasting symptoms may mean you are infected with a mosquito-borne disease.
“If you have persistent swelling, redness or systemic symptoms such as fever or chills, it is important for you to seek medical help,” wrote Dr. Houshmand in an email to USA TODAY. “Both types of bites can cause itching, swelling and redness.”
According to the CDC, not everyone is infected with the mosquito-borne germ becomes ill, although those who do experience it may experience significant swelling or redness, a low-grade fever, hives or swollen lymph nodes.
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