
It is interesting to know that only female mosquitoes bite and suck your blood because iron, proteins, and amino acids in the blood are essential for the development of their eggs.
Several thousands of mosquito species feed on the blood of humans, animals, birds, and even other insects to gain proteins that help with reproduction.
However, male mosquitoes feed only on water, flower nectar, and other plant juices. Female mosquitoes also feed on nectar and plant juices along with blood.
What are mosquitoes?
A mosquito is a small insect that flies around feeding on the blood and plant juices for reproduction and survival. Mosquitoes are considered parasites because they live feeding on the blood of living organisms, and in return, they infect humans and animals with various disease-causing parasites.
Mosquitoes have complex, long mouthparts known as proboscis that has six thin needles called stylets.
- Whenever they find a suitable host, they puncture the skin with their mouth and suck in blood.
- As the mosquito bites your skin, it injects some of its salivae so that the blood doesn’t clot.
- Along with saliva, mosquitoes transfer infection-causing agents into the blood.
Various life-threatening mosquito-borne diseases lead to death among the population globally. Because of this, mosquitoes are considered harmful insects.
Mosquitoes do not feed on one person. They feed on several people for one meal, which is known as sip feeding. Sip feeding increases the number of people who are being exposed to infections.
Mosquitoes attack people throughout the day. They are often found around water bodies, and they lay their eggs in shallow waters such as ponds, lakes, small pools, or anywhere water is stagnant.
What happens when a mosquito bites?
Most mosquito bites are harmless, but some people may develop allergic reactions following the bite. Some may be infected with pathogens (disease-causing organisms) that transfer from the mosquito to the host.
With every bite, mosquitoes transfer some amount of their saliva. This saliva acts as an allergen, provokes the host immune system, and produces inflammatory reactions, which include:
- Swelling at the site of the bite that lasts for several days
- Small red, itchy bumps
- Fever
- Swelling of lymph nodes
Complications of mosquito bites include:
- Cellulitis: As the infection-causing bacteria penetrate the skin area, it becomes red and is extremely unpleasant to the touch.
- Impetigo: It is a local bacterial infection that causes sores, soft scabs, and pus. Scratching or picking at the bites causes this condition. This is most commonly seen in itchy bites.
- Lymphangitis: If the bacterial infection spreads through the lymphatic system, it produces a red line that runs up the arm or leg. This is more dangerous because the infection has the potential to enter the bloodstream.
- Diseases: Mosquito bites may transmit infections such as malaria, dengue fever, Zika fever, chikungunya, and West Nile fever.
How to treat mosquito bites
Usually, mosquito bites do not need any attention. However, sometimes, they might become red and itchy.
With the following remedies, you may get relief from itching:
- Applying diluted apple cider vinegar on the bite may help reduce the itch.
- Make a paste of baking soda and apply it to the bite and leave it to dry. You may add baking soda to a warm bath.
- Adding Epsom salt to baths or applying Epsom salt mixed water on the bite helps with itching.
- Ice packs can be applied to the bites to reduce itch and redness.
- Applying aloe vera gel on the bites relieves itch and pain.
- Applying honey on the bites may reduce inflammation.
- Using antihistamines will reduce symptoms such as itching or skin irritation.

IMAGES
Eczema Browse our medical image collection of allergic skin disorders such as psoriasis and dermatitis and more caused by allergies See Images5 common diseases spread by mosquito bites
Diseases that are transmitted through mosquito bites are Zika fever, West Nile fever, chikungunya, dengue fever, and malaria.
- Zika fever:
- Infected Aedes species mosquito (Ae. aegypti and Ae. albopictus) transmit Zika virus. These mosquitoes bite at any hour of the day.
- Zika virus can be passed on to a fetus from a pregnant woman. Certain birth abnormalities can be caused by infection during pregnancy. Miscarriages and stillbirths are caused by the Zika virus.
- There is no Zika vaccine or specific treatment. Symptoms caused by the Zika virus may last for several days to weeks, which include:
- Rash
- Fever
- Muscle and joint pain
- Headache
- Red eyes
- West Nile fever:
- West Nile virus (WNV) is most usually transmitted to humans by the bite of an infected mosquito and is the main cause of mosquito-borne illness in the United States.
- WNV cases arise during mosquito season, which begins in the summer and lasts into the fall.
- There are no vaccinations or specific drugs available to prevent or treat WNV in humans.
- Fortunately, the majority of people infected with WNV do not become ill.
- One in every five people who become infected has a fever and other symptoms.
- Approximately 1 in every 150 infected people develops a serious, perhaps deadly, infection, and symptoms of the serious illness include:
- Fever
- Neck stiffness
- Headache
- Seizures
- Muscle weakness
- Loss of vision
- Paralysis
- Recovery from a severe disease could take weeks or months. Some effects on the central nervous system may be long-term.
- One out of every 10 people who have a serious illness that affects the central nervous system dies.
- Chikungunya:
- Fever and joint discomfort are the most typical symptoms of infection. Other symptoms include:
- Headache
- Muscle soreness
- Joint swelling
- Rash
- Outbreaks have occurred in Africa, Asia, Europe, and the Indian and Pacific oceans.
- Chikungunya was discovered for the first time in the Americas in late 2013 on the Caribbean islands.
- Infected tourists pose a risk of spreading the illness to new locations.
- There is no vaccine or treatment to prevent or treat chikungunya.
- Travelers can protect themselves by not getting bitten by mosquitoes.
- Fever and joint discomfort are the most typical symptoms of infection. Other symptoms include:
- Dengue:
- Aedes species (Aedes aegypti or Aedes albopictus) mosquito transmits dengue viruses to humans through bites.
- Almost half of the world's population, or about 4 billion people, live in dengue-risk areas.
- Dengue fever is frequently the major cause of sickness in high-risk settings.
- Dengue fever outbreaks are occurring in several places around the world. Take precautions against mosquito bites.
- A novel dengue vaccine has been licensed for use in children aged 9 to 16 years who have had a past laboratory-confirmed dengue virus infection and live in dengue-endemic areas.
- Some US territories and freely affiliated states are considered endemic zones.
- The vaccine is not recommended for use in US visitors who are visiting but not living in a dengue-infested area.
- Symptoms of dengue typically last two to seven days, and the most common symptoms of dengue include:
- Malaria:
- Malaria is a parasitic disease that is spread by mosquitoes.
- People with malaria frequently experience fever, chills, and flu-like symptoms.
- If they are not treated, they may develop serious complications and die.
- 241 million cases of malaria were reported worldwide in 2020, with 627,000 people dying.
- Each year, about 2,000 cases of malaria are diagnosed in the United States.
- The majority of cases in the United States are in tourists and immigrants returning from malaria-endemic countries, many of which are in sub-Saharan Africa and South Asia.
8 reasons why some people are more prone to mosquito bites
Some people are more likely to get bitten by mosquitoes than others. If one individual is bitten more than the other, certain factors can account for a fraction of the difference.
- Skin chemicals: Some people tend to excrete more substances such as lactic acid, ammonia, and uric acid from the skin. Mosquitoes are more attracted to such people.
- Bacteria on the skin: If you do not follow proper hygiene, you tend to grow more bacteria on your skin; this attracts mosquitoes.
- Blood type: Mosquitoes most preferably bite people with O blood group and avoid people with AB blood group.
- Metabolic rate: With the increased metabolic rate in the body, the body produces more carbon dioxide (CO2), and it is exhaled out. Mosquitoes are attracted to CO2.
- Easy target: Mosquitoes tend to attack those who are in their proximity.
- Wearing dark-colored clothes: Mosquitoes are attracted to people who wear dark-colored clothes.
- Scents: Mosquitoes are attracted to people who use perfume.
- Alcohol: Mosquitoes are attracted to people who drink alcohol.
How to get rid of mosquitoes naturally
- Get rid of any standing water around the house or in the yard.
- Use a swatter to get rid of mosquitoes in your home.
- Use insect repellent.
- Mosquitoes can bite through flimsy clothing. As a result, spraying repellant on clothing will provide additional protection.
- Use screens to cover windows and doorways.
- Stay indoors during the peak of mosquito activity (dusk and dawn).
- Use insect repellent compounds on garments, tents, and net covers.
- Replace outdoor light bulbs with yellow bulbs that are less appealing to insects.
Health Solutions From Our Sponsors
Mosquito Bites: https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/17695-mosquito-bites
Mosquito-Borne Diseases: https://www.cdc.gov/niosh/topics/outdoor/mosquito-borne/default.html
Mosquitos: Why do they Suck? https://sciencemadefun.net/blog/mosquitos-why-do-they-suck/
Top Why Do Mosquitoes Suck Your Blood Related Articles
Bad Bugs: Identify Insects and Bug Bites
What do bug bites look like? How do you treat bug bites? Why do bug bites burn? See spider bite pictures and learn how to identify bug bites from mosquitoes, bees, bed bugs, wasps, and more. See what their bites & stings look like and how to treat bug bites. For more details, enter a search for the specific insects or bugs as this slideshow is a brief introduction to the topic.Bed Bugs Slideshow
What does a bedbug look like? Learn to ID bedbugs and bedbug bites. Get tips on how to prevent, treat, and get rid of bedbugs.Spiders Slideshow
Know your spiders and stay safe. Learn to ID a black widow spider and a brown recluse spider though this photo guide. See medical images of dangerous spider bites that can turn deadly. Get first aid instruction for spider bites.Brown Recluse Spider Bite Picture
The brown recluse spider, also known as the violin spider, is most commonly found in the Midwestern and southern states of the United States. It is brown in color with a characteristic dark violin-shaped (or fiddle-shaped) marking on its head and has six equal-sized eyes (most spiders have eight eyes). Brown recluse spiders are usually found in workplaces with secluded, dry, sheltered areas such as underneath structures logs, or in piles of rocks or leaves. If a brown recluse spider wanders indoors, they may be found in dark closets, shoes, or attics. The brown recluse spider cannot bite humans without some form of counter pressure, for example, through unintentional contact that traps the spider against the skin. Bites may cause a stinging sensation with localized pain. A small white blister usually develops at the site of the bite. The venom of a brown recluse can cause a severe lesion by destroying skin tissue (skin necrosis). This skin lesion will require professional medical attention.Can You Use Toothpaste to Relieve Mosquito Bites?
While some people only react mildly to mosquito bites, others show severe reactions with intense swelling, soreness, or redness in the affected area. Toothpaste is the most accessible home remedy for mosquito bites.Spider Bites: How to Identify
Do you know what a spider bite looks like? Which spider bites can be fatal? How long does it take to recover from a spider bite? How does spider bite venom work? How do you treat a brown recluse spider bite? How long do spider bites last? Learn about spider bite swelling, treatment, blisters, rash, and symptoms.How To Tell the Difference Between a Spider Bite and a Mosquito Bite
Learn how tell the difference between a spider bite and a mosquito bite and how to care for each.Do Mosquito Magnets Work?
Mosquitos are known for transmitting many types of diseases to humans. Mosquito magnets worked in trapping up to 60+ a night, including mosquitoes that carried malaria.How Do You Know If You Are Allergic to Mosquito Bites?
Mosquito bite allergies can cause issues if untreated. Learn the signs of a mosquito bite allergy, what causes it, and what you can do to treat it.Home Remedies for Mosquito Bites
Mosquito bites appear as red, itchy rashes, which resolves in a few days. A few mosquitoes act as a vector to spread diseases like Malaria, West Nile virus, Yellow fever, Dengue, Chikungunya, Encephalitis (brain infection), and Zika virus.How Do You Stop Mosquito Bites From Itching?
Mosquito bites can be irritating. Learn what causes the itch and how to stop it.Insect Sting Allergies
The majority of stinging insects in the United States are from bees, yellow jackets, hornets, wasps, and fire ants. Severity of reactions to stings varies greatly. Avoidance and prompt treatment are essential. In selected cases, allergy injection therapy is highly effective.Skin Rash
The word "rash" means an outbreak of red bumps on the body. The way people use this term, "a rash" can refer to many different skin conditions. The most common of these are scaly patches of skin and red, itchy bumps or patches all over the place.Summer Skin Quiz
When it comes to summer, there plenty of hazards under the sun! Take the Summer Skin Hazards Quiz and clue in on the dangers to your summer skin!When Should You Worry About an Insect Bite?
Treatment depends on the type of reaction to the bite or sting. A small or mild reaction such as redness and pain may require a local application of ice. Clean the area with soap and water to remove foreign particles.Which Is the Most Effective Mosquito Repellent?
The most effective mosquito repellent is N,N-Diethyl-meta-toluamide (DEET), also called diethyltoluamide.