How to Treat Mosquito Bites & Why You Have More Than Everyone Else at the BBQ

Have you ever been to an outdoor barbecue, wedding, or event and found yourself swatting mosquitoes and scratching bites incessantly while everyone else enjoys themselves and seems oblivious? There are a few good reasons for this–and we hate to burst your bubble, but it’s probably not because you are sweeter than the rest. Here at Mosquito Squad of Springfield, we’ve got all the info you want to know about why mosquitoes bite some people more than others, how to treat bites effectively, and how to avoid getting bitten in the first place. 

Why Do Mosquitoes Seem to Prefer Some People More Than Others?

While we’ve all heard that mosquitoes prefer certain blood types over others, this has not been fully proven–many other factors play into what makes a person so appealing to mosquitoes. Microbes living on your skin, the amount of carbon dioxide emitted in your breath, and the color of clothing you are wearing (red, orange, and black are most appealing to mosquitoes) all play a role in how likely you are to be bitten. Scientists argue, however, that the most accurate dictators of mosquito preference come down to two essential variables: body odor and genetics. 

Apparently, people who emit the most carbon dioxide (which equates to having the highest metabolic rate) and have the most potent body odor are most likely to be bitten. This group tends to include pregnant women, individuals who are working out or work out regularly, or those drinking alcohol. The notion that mosquitoes prefer certain blood types over others is not completely true, though it also has not been totally disproven, as it seems skin microbes and subsequent odors are a better indicator. Another interesting tip is to wear lighter colors this season. Mosquitos are less interested in lighter colors, as opposed to darker colors like navy, black, and red.

How to Properly Treat Mosquito Bites

Mosquito bites typically disappear within three to ten days following the initial bite; however, people have different responses to bites. If you find that your mosquito bite is hanging around for an abnormally long period of time, or if you have symptoms more complicated than the usual itchiness, you may be allergic to mosquitoes or have a condition called Skeeter Syndrome. 

All of this being said, if you still meet the unfortunate fate of getting bitten, there remains a bit of hope. Mosquitoes, pesky and dangerous as they can be, leave itchy, angry bites that itch to no end and can even result in infection–unless you follow our favorite foolproof remedies.

First, wash the area with soap and water as soon as possible, and follow your wash with a cube of ice applied to the bite area to reduce swelling and redness. Then embrace one or more of the itch remedies below to get back to feeling your best.

Itch Remedies

Our favorite home remedies include classic topical pastes that you can make yourself. Choose one of the combinations below and get to relieving that itch!

• Baking soda and water
• Pure aloe vera
• Raw honey and crushed garlic
• Toothpaste

Itch remedies are most effective when applied at least twice per day. Whichever remedy you choose, rest assured that the more frequently you can treat your bite, the more quickly it will reduce in size and eventually disappear. It is important that you observe the bite size and any changes in your bite site closely, as infections can occur. Strange symptoms can be indicators of a larger problem, such as a mosquito-borne illness.

Other great options include over-the-counter anti-itch or antihistamine creams, such as After Bite, Benadryl Itch Gel, or Zax's Original Bug Bite & Anti-Itch Cream. 

Mosquito Squad’s Special Event Spray

To prevent your family and your guests from being covered in mosquito bites at your next outdoor gathering, have Mosquito Squad’s experienced technicians treat your yard with our special event spray treatment. We will visit your gathering area twice during the week leading up to your event, and spray the premises with our special event mosquito control treatment. We can also get you on our recurring mosquito control schedule, where we’ll come out to your property every three weeks during mosquito season (typically late April through September) and treat your outdoor spaces with our protective barrier spray. Our barrier treatments are effective in reducing up to 85-90% of mosquito populations in a treated area for up to three weeks. Contact Mosquito Squad of Springfield today for a quote.