What to Do When the Bugs Bite

When it comes to enjoying the great outdoors, mosquito bites seem to be an unavoidable evil, especially in warm, humid weather. While bees and wasps inject venom when they sting, mosquitoes inject a proboscis, which looks like a tiny straw, to suck up tiny amounts of your blood and release anti-clotting agents. The immune system reacts by releasing histamine, which creates a small, itchy bump. In other words, what you know to be a mosquito bite is not the bite itself, but your body’s allergic reaction to substances that bite leaves behind.

While home fixes for mosquito bites allow you to avoid toxic pesticides, mosquito bites can be risky, too. Children are more susceptible to large and pesky mosquito bites than adults, and while most bites are harmless, some people have a severe, even life-threatening allergic reaction.

If you’re in or planning to travel to a tropical area, it’s important to know that mosquito bites also can carry diseases, like Zika, dengue, or chikungunya. Check with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) for more information on preventive measures you can take before traveling.

The best way to prevent mosquito bites naturally is to avoid the bugs themselves and know your own risk. Mosquitoes seem to be especially attracted to larger people and pregnant women. They are also attracted to sweet-smelling lotions and perfumes.

Know that some mosquito breeds prefer dawn and dusk, while others love the hottest times of the day. Steer clear of standing water, where mosquitoes breed and swarm, and cover up and wear light-colored long sleeves and pants when you’re near an infested area. If you can, try to sleep in an air-conditioned area (versus an open-air room), or consider putting mosquito netting around beds.

All products and services featured in this article are selected by Everyday Health's commerce team and chosen for their potential to inspire and enable your wellness. Everyday Health may earn an affiliate commission if you purchase a featured product or service.