Have you noticed aggressive mosquitoes in Sacramento? Here’s how to protect yourself

With warm Sacramento weather and rain comes blood-hungry mosquitoes.

It’s important for residents to inspect their property and drain any stagnant water they may find in flowerpots, buckets, bird baths or small containers, according to the Sacramento-Yolo Mosquito and Vector Control District.

What is a mosquito?

Mosquitoes are very common, with more than 3,500 types around the world, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. And while not all mosquitoes bite humans and animals, when they do bite people ⁠— the traditional reactions are itching and swelling.

Mosquitoes live both indoors and outdoors and can bite day and night. They can live for about two to four weeks depending on species, humidity, temperature and more — but female mosquitoes are the ones that bite because they need blood to produce eggs.

How can I protect myself?

The best protection against these insects is simply wearing long sleeves and pants while outside.

An effective mosquito repellent, according to the control district, is one that contains DEET or picaridin. Oil of lemon eucalyptus is also a goodrepellent.

You should also avoid being outdoors during dawn and dusk hours and be sure that your doors and window screens are in good condition to protect yourself from getting one of those itchy bumps.

To report mosquito breeding sources, request a home inspection or if you’re being bothered by them, call 1-800-429-1022 or visit Fight the Bite to fill out a service request online.

Why does the bite itch?

When a mosquito bites you, it pierces the skin using a special mouth part to suck up blood, according to the CDC. And as the the blood-thirsty insect is feeding, it injects saliva into your skin.

In reaction to the saliva, your skin begins to itch and swell.

Some people have a mild reaction to a bite while others endure swelling, soreness and overall redness to the skin. More severe reactions can occur in children, adults bitten by a species that they haven’t been exposed to yet and people with immune system disorders.

Those who experience harsher reactions can also have:

• A low-grade fever
• Hives
• Swollen lymph nodes

How do I treat a bite?

To treat a common mosquito bite, wash the area with soap and water and apply an ice pack for 10 minutes to reduce symptoms. Next, apply a mixture of one tablespoon of baking soda and just enough water to create a paste.

Apply the mixture on to the area, wait 10 minutes and wash it off. Follow up with an over-the-counter anti-itch or antihistamine cream.

Just remember not to scratch (which is easier said than done) because the bite can become infected and become red, feel warm or a red streak will spread outward from the bite, according to the CDC.

This story was originally published February 11, 2022 at 5:00 AM with the headline "Have you noticed aggressive mosquitoes in Sacramento? Here’s how to protect yourself."