If you spend any time outdoors, chances are good that you’ve been bitten by mosquitoes. Most of us have been bewildered at one point or another by finding itchy welts despite having worn long sleeves, pants, and socks. So, can mosquitoes bite through clothes? We’ll explore this and other pesky questions about these even peskier insects.
Dealing with mosquitoes around your property? Contact McCall Service about our mosquito control services today!
Can mosquitoes bite through clothes?
Yes, unfortunately, mosquitoes can bite through clothes. So, how can mosquitoes bite through clothes? While they’d rather tear directly into your skin, mosquitoes have a half-dozen long, sharp mouthparts that can easily pierce thin or loosely knit materials.
Thicker, sturdier fabrics offer better protection but are not always an option in Florida’s summer heat. Balance wearing linens, silks, loose knits, and filmy materials with wearing bug spray consistently during the warmer months. Bug sprays don’t work as well under clothing, so consider spraying them on top of your clothes if possible.
Why do mosquito bites itch?
When mosquitoes bite, they inject the wound with saliva. Mosquito saliva is an anticoagulant that makes drinking easier for mosquitoes and numbs the bite site. That persistent itchiness and accompanying welt are allergic reactions to the bug’s spit. And why do some mosquito bites itch more than others? That depends on the type of mosquito and the number of nerve endings at the site of the bite.
How to Stop Mosquito Bites From Itching
If you are bitten, you’ll be glad to know that relief can be found in your kitchen. Try to avoid worsening the problem by resisting the urge to scratch. It may provide temporary relief as your brain releases soothing serotonin, but your bites will only itch more in the long run and can cause an infection if the skin is broken. Apply these pantry staples to the bite area instead:
- Ice
- Honey
- Equal parts oatmeal and water
- A tablespoon of baking soda and a splash of water
Other common household items to treat mosquito bites with include mint toothpaste, aloe vera or aloe vera gel, and apple cider vinegar. Only unfiltered, unrefined apple cider vinegar soothes mosquito bites. If the skin beneath or around your mosquito bites experiences redness, swelling, or hardening after 24 to 72 hours, consult your doctor; you may be having a severe allergic reaction to the mosquitoes’ saliva.
Reclaim Your Backyard From Mosquitoes With McCall
Mosquitoes don’t have to ruin your warm-weather fun. Keep venturing into the great outdoors this summer with our tips for avoiding clothes-penetrating bites—as well as how to stop mosquito bites from itching if you do fall victim to these pests. And if your property is plagued by pesky mosquitoes as temperatures rise, McCall Service can help prevent them from darkening your door this year.
If you’re in or near Gainesville, Jacksonville, Ocala, Tallahassee, or Tampa, get in touch with us. We help safeguard homes and businesses against mosquitoes and other pests using safe, effective mosquito control. Contact us for a free quote at the first sign of an infestation.
