Some mosquito bites are highly dangerous.
There are over 2,500 species of mosquitoes, each with different characteristics and thus different bites. Though only female mosquitoes bite, it is very likely that individuals can be exposed to mosquitoes during dusk and dawn hours. The female mosquito pierces human and animal skin with her proboscis, or her mouth, and draws blood out while simultaneously releasing a small dose of her saliva into the skin. The proteins in this saliva result in itching, swelling and redness, though some species of mosquitoes can transfer deadly diseases through their bites.
Aedes Mosquito Bites
Though Aedes mosquitoes only breed successfully when flood waters are present in their habitat, they can travel long distances, sometimes up to 75 miles away from their birthplaces. They tend to feed on mammals, especially humans. Bites from the Aedes genus can cause yellow fever and dengue fever, two deadly diseases. These mosquito bites are also known to cause lymphatic filariasis.
Anopheles Mosquito Bites
The Anopheles genus breeds successfully in freshwater lakes, though breeding in salt water is not unheard of. These mosquitoes are known for their markings. They have black and white stripes on their bodies and their legs. People who are bitten by the Anopheles mosquito have a good chance of contracting malaria due to the type of saliva they deposit while drawing blood. Avoiding these mosquito bites greatly reduces the risk of malaria-related death.
Culex Mosquito Bites
The Culex genus prefers to breed in standing water such as ponds, swamps and even collections of water near homes. Culex mosquito bites are among the most painful, though they prefer the blood of birds over the blood of humans. Though these mosquitoes prefer to remain in or near sanding water, bites from them spread deadly diseases like avian malaria, West Nile Virus and encephalitis.
Heartworm
Mosquitoes can also spread diseases to dogs through their bites. When dogs are bitten by mosquitoes, parasitic worms spread through the heart and blood vessels. The parasites are spread when mosquitoes bite one dog with the worms and then deposit the parasite into a second dog victim. Though not all mosquito bites can infect dogs, most will still irritate the skin.
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