The complexity of the mosquito's unwelcome bite

Mosquitoes are considered one of the deadliest animals in the world, killing over 700,000 people a year. No other bite comes with risks such as malaria, West Nile virus, dengue fever, yellow fever, and encephalitis.

Adult mosquitos typically feed on nectar and honey dew of plants. They love sugar. Females bite us, though, because they need protein and lipids from blood in order to make eggs. These nutrients are passed directly to the eggs and do not feed the mosquito.

With 150 different species, there are many different reasons a mosquito will pick you out of a crowd. Some choose by seeking dark colors or movement, others use body heat to dial you in. Some species can detect carbon monoxide from your breath up to 164 feet away.

There are mosquitos that look for lactic or uric acid, even ammonia, contained in sweat. Skin bacteria and genetics both play a role in this. Your blood type could be a factor, but this is not clear.

Using specialized organs and pressure sensors, the mosquito zeros in on where to insert its long stylet. Certain species target ankles, elbows, and the back as they have evolved to avoid getting noticed and smashed. Others are just looking for a suitable blood source close to the surface of your skin.

The mosquito bites using a set of sharp teeth contained in a long tube that has an outer protective sheath. This is capable of retracting and bending back to reveal six inner needles.

Two of these needles have teeth and are used to saw through the skin using a quick up and down motion. Another two of the needles spread tissue apart while the sawing takes place.

In order to find blood, one of the remaining needles probes and is used like a straw to drink. It also has receptors that look for chemicals that are released by our vessels, so she knows just where to suck.

While drinking, the female mosquito rapidly filters out water from the blood that is accumulating in her abdomen and squeezes it out of her body. This means she won’t get overheated or filled up as quickly and can take in more of your red blood cells.

Mosquitos are the only creatures that can suck and spit at the same time. Because our blood will naturally begin to thicken, the final needle pushes saliva into our body that contains chemicals to keep clotting from happening. This saliva has enzymes that act as anesthetic to reduce our ability to notice that we are being eaten. It also contains chemicals that make the vessels pump more blood.

When a mosquito is done eating, some have learned to jump away before flapping their wings in order to avoid detection. Yet, we soon realize she was there.

Compounds from the saliva left will trigger our body to initiate an inflammatory response. Histamines are released, fluid is released, and swelling begins. This causes itching. This saliva is also where viruses and parasites live that can sicken or kill us.

Keep your rain gutters and pet dishes free of water. Even very small containers that hold a tiny bit of water can be sufficient to support eggs turning into mosquito larva.

Some people swear that taking vitamin B1 helps, but I couldn’t find any solid evidence for that. Maybe rubbing garlic on your skin works. I have a family and co-workers so that’s out.

The best way to avoid mosquitos is to wear long sleeve shirts and long pants, avoid areas where they live, and use DEET or picardin. If you want something more natural, the Center for Disease Control suggests oil of lemon eucalyptus, though this is not as effective.

The importance of a healthy diet and lifestyle can’t be overstated. This is to keep your immune system at optimal performance and inflammation toned down. I like to stay hydrated, get adequate protein, avoid inflammatory invoking foods, eat lots of veggies, and supplement daily with probiotics and omega 3’s.

Come on down if you need help with that itch.

Scott Porter, a functional medicine pharmacist, is the director of the Center for Functional Nutrition at Sandpoint Super Drug.