The Case of the Pesky Mosquito

Summertime is upon us- the heat is rising and the mosquitoes are everywhere!  Mosquitoes are known as insects that can bite you, leaving a painful and often itchy swell mark. These tiny little insects have a lot going for them. Not only do they have chemical and visual sensors that help them find their prey, but mosquitoes also have heat sensors. 

With all these sensors, it is not a surprise that people get bitten by mosquitoes more often than not. While most mosquito bites are harmless, in rare cases they can cause a large area to swell significantly, be sore and very red. If you have any questions from a mosquito bite, please call your poison control center for more information at 1-800-222-1222. 

How to prevent mosquito bites

Your best bet in protecting your skin from mosquitoes is using insect repellent. For a list of recommended repellents, please view this link: http://www.cdc.gov/westnile/faq/repellent.html.

Other ways to avoid mosquito bites include wearing long-sleeved clothing and eliminating any standing or stagnant water around your home. Standing water creates a breeding ground for these pesky insects. Another good tip is limiting your time outdoors in the evening time as that is when they are most prevalent.

Here are some “fun” facts about mosquitoes:

·         Mosquito is Spanish for “little fly”

·         Only female mosquitoes bite

Remember, the Texas Poison Control Network is here to help you! If you find yourself in any possible poisoning situation, or have a question about poison, please do not hesitate to call 1-800-222-1222 for free expert advice, 24 hours a day!