Can Mosquitoes Bite Through Clothes?

Do mosquito bites ever seem to appear out of thin air? After all, you wear clothing each day and still wake up with red, itchy welts. It’s almost as if the insect pierced your favorite shirt to reach your skin. Can mosquitoes bite through clothes?

We know you’re itching to learn the answer, and this blog won’t disappoint.

The Shocking Truth About Mosquitoes and Clothing

Mosquitoes are a huge nuisance, but their tiny bodies can’t possibly bite you through a t-shirt, right? Surely the mosquito had to crawl under your clothing to drink your blood. That’s the only logical answer, correct?

Let’s cut to the chase: Do mosquitoes bite through clothes? In some instances, yes.

You read that correctly. Mosquitoes CAN and DO bite victims through certain fabrics. Although they prefer to go after bare skin, it is true that a thin shirt or flimsy pair of leggings won’t stop them.

The Type of Fabric Matters

Although mosquitoes can feast on your blood through your clothing, it’s not their preferred method. They will always look for exposed skin first. And there are some types of clothing mosquitoes can’t bite through. Thicker materials offer more protection than thin, breezy fabrics.

Here are some materials to avoid wearing outdoors:

  • Silk
  • Rayon
  • Linen
  • Thin cotton
  • Spandex

These fabrics tend to be on the lighter side and mosquitoes can quickly puncture these materials to reach your skin. That means you should leave your favorite leggings at home! (However, if you do suffer a bite, we’ve got tips for how to stop the itch.)

Can mosquitoes bite through jeans? They can, but they probably won’t try. Denim is a thick fabric, and a mosquito will most likely look for an easier target instead. Tightly woven fabrics and loose clothing also deter mosquitoes—and don’t forget to wear socks!

Because insect repellents, such as DEET, are not safe for use on babies, infants and very young children, clothing is the best way to protect them from mosquito bites. Instead, dressing children from head-to-toe is a better option. Thick fabrics are the best line of defense against bites!

What to Do When Clothing Isn’t Enough

Even if you take all the precautions and wear heavy-duty fabrics, you may still get mosquito bites. What gives? In most cases, the mosquito gets under your clothing before taking a drink. Gaps near the neckline, sleeves, or even buttons are perfect mosquito entryways.

Here’s what you can do about it:

  • Always pack plenty of insect repellent. Be sure to spray directly on your clothes but avoid getting it on your bare skin. DEET and other pesticides may cause skin reactions.
  • Light a fragrant citronella candle. Even though you may enjoy the aroma, mosquitoes can’t stand it. They’ll fly away and leave you alone.
  • Avoid standing water. Mosquitoes love moisture and humid environments. Remember to drain any buckets or containers in the yard.

The Power of a Mosquito Bite

Mosquitoes are one of the most hated insects in the world. Not only do their bites itch like mad, but they also spread serious, sometimes deadly diseases. West Nile and Zika are the most well known.

The symptoms of West Nile virus range from barely noticeable to deadly. While mild headaches and low fevers are the most common, some symptoms require immediate medical attention. In rare cases, encephalitis or meningitis may develop; both of which can cause permanent neurological damage or death.

Zika virus symptoms are usually mild, and most people recover quickly. However, Zika can cause birth defects. Doctors have reported cases of microcephaly (small heads) in infants born after Zika exposure, and pregnant women should avoid traveling to areas with Zika-carrying mosquitoes for this very reason.

The best way to prevent mosquito-borne illness is to avoid mosquitoes.

Prevent Mosquito Bites in Your Yard with Mosquito Joe

You want to enjoy the outdoors during the summer, but you don’t want to deal with itchy mosquito bites. Mosquito Joe has a proven solution for you. We offer barrier spray mosquito treatments and natural treatments to reduce mosquito populations.

Is the constant buzz of mosquitoes in your yard driving you crazy? Call Mosquito Joe today at 1-855-275-2563 or contact us online to schedule a full lawn treatment with our experts.

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How to Get Rid of Fleas in My House

Ninja-like, disease-carrying, blood-sucking creatures. Sound like something from a horror movie? Guess again. It’s only fleas. That’s right, those pesky bugs Fido keeps bringing inside cause more than just itchy skin. And once fleas make their way indoors, it becomes your number-one priority to get rid of them. Luckily, we know how to stop an infestation in its tracks.

Keep reading if you want to know how to get rid of fleas in the house fast.

To Find a Flea, You Must Think Like a Flea

Fleas are tiny. Each is only a few millimeters long. Even if you manage to find a flea, catching one is another ballgame. Fleas can jump a staggering 12 inches into the air! Luckily, once you know their favorite hiding places, it’s easier to track and get rid of them.

Here’s where you should look:

  • Hiding in pet fur
  • On furniture—both for humans and pets
  • In the carpet
  • Under the covers

Deep cleaning is one of the best ways to reduce unwelcome flea infestations. Regular vacuuming will help pull both adults and eggs out of the carpet. Washing bedding in hot water will kill any nesting fleas.

Keep your eyes open for signs of a flea infestation. If you have pets, you may find traces of blood near their bed or favorite hangout spots. Trails of “dirt” may actually be flea feces. That’s right—insect poop. Use a flea comb to remove any live bugs. But be aware. Picking off fleas is just as tricky as removing a tick from a dog.

Why Are Fleas So Difficult to Eradicate?

There’s never just one flea. The moment you notice a high-hopping, fast-moving bug scurrying across your pet’s fur, assume there are thousands more of them. But, it takes more than just a can of bug spray to get rid of them. And any fleas in the house will continue to multiply until you get rid of every single one.

Why are fleas so much more challenging than other types of insects? Tackling a full-blown flea infestation requires several different treatments along with maintenance care. These critters have a unique life cycle: egg, larva, pupa and adult. You need a variety of approaches to target fleas during each stage. And if that isn’t enough to give you a case of the heebie-jeebies, a female flea can lay around 40 eggs every day of her life! It’s a non-stop circle of life (and not the heart-warming kind like in The Lion King).

When it comes to treating a flea infestation, consistency is key. Be warned, however, it may take several weeks and multiple treatments to fully eradicate them. Once you’re in the clear, be sure to schedule preventative treatments to keep them away.

Treating Fleas on Your Pet

The last thing your pet wants is a colony of fleas feasting on them. Not only do they cause incessant itching, but fleas can also transmit diseases and parasites. If you notice fleas on your cat or dog, it’s time to take action right away.

A quick dip in the bathtub is a great way to remove any live fleas. These insects are not very good swimmers and will try to escape. Flea collars, topical liquids and oral medications are other options. Ask your vet about the best preventative treatment to keep your animal flea-free all year long.

Put a Stop to Fleas in Your Yard

Now that you understand how to eradicate fleas in the house, it’s time to attack them in their natural habitat—outdoors. There are countless hiding places for fleas in your lawn. Grass, trees, and flowers are a few of their favorites.

But did you know fleas despise sunlight? They really are nature’s vampires. If you want to get rid of fleas in your yard, make sure you regularly mow the lawn, which can serve as a source of shade for them to hide under. Removing any loose brush or overhanging branches will also reduce places for the fleas to hide.

Turn to Mosquito Joe for Flea Control on Your Property

Besides basic lawn care, a barrier treatment from Mosquito Joe will keep fleas from invading your property. Not only does this treatment tackle fleas, but it also prevents ticks and mosquitoes. We know you don’t want fleas in the house, and our team will help you get rid of them once and for all.

Visit us online or call 1-855-275-2563 to request a quote from our flea exterminators.

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Do All Ticks Carry Lyme Disease?

While insect bites are bad enough to deal with already, a single bite from a deer tick (also known as blacklegged ticks) can transmit Lyme disease. Any single of these blood-sucking insects can potentially carry and transmit the bacterium that causes this horrible illness. But do all ticks carry Lyme? No. Do all blacklegged/deer ticks carry Lyme? No.

Continue reading to find out when you should worry about a tick bite and when you can relax.

Do All Tick Bites Carry Lyme Disease?

Before you vow never to venture outdoors again, you need to know which ticks carry Lyme disease. Even though there are hundreds of tick species, only the blacklegged variety (deer tick) transmits the disease. These insects are always searching for a host. And both humans and animals—especially white-tailed deer and chipmunks—make for a tasty meal.

Blacklegged ticks have flat, ovular bodies. They are orange-brown in color and only reach about 1/8” in length. Their color and size, however, change throughout different points of the tick life cycle.

Understanding the Basics of Lyme Disease

A dangerous bacterium scientifically dubbed Borrelia burgdorferi causes Lyme disease in humans. You can only get this disease from ticks, and luckily, there’s no evidence that Lyme disease is contagious between humans.

This illness causes a wide range of symptoms ranging from mild to severe. Infected persons often experience fever, aches, fatigue, and headaches. Problems with the heart, joints, and nervous systems are also common. In very rare cases, an infected person may die. Treatment is a 10-to-21-day course of antibiotics that is most effective when taken as soon as possible. But even after taking antibiotics, some patients continue to experience lifelong symptoms.

A bullseye-shaped rash may appear around the bite site after someone has been infected with Lyme disease. If you see this telltale sign, visit a doctor as soon as possible.

Where Do Lyme-Carrying Ticks Live?

Blacklegged ticks can be found throughout the eastern United States, but Lyme diseases is most prevalent in New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Wisconsin, New York, Massachusetts, Connecticut, Minnesota, Maryland, Virginia, New Hampshire, Delaware and Maine.

Ticks like to live in wooded areas, grassy environments, and, unfortunately, your yard. These insects thrive throughout the United States. The ticks that carry Lyme disease are the most active from April through September. However, a tick can bite you any time of the year, and even a deep freeze won’t eliminate them.

Risk of Contracting Lyme After a Bite

So, do all deer ticks carry Lyme disease? No, just because a tick can carry the disease doesn’t mean it does. A bite from a deer tick doesn’t always turn into a case of Lyme, but if you pull one off your body, it’s best to monitor the site for any reaction and yourself for Lyme symptoms. Symptoms can appear a few days or even several weeks after a bite. Early antibiotic treatment is vital for a fast recovery from Lyme disease, so see a doctor at the first indication of Lyme.

Here are risk factors for Lyme disease:

  • Having a tick attached to your skin for more than 36 hours
  • Exposing a lot of skin while outdoors
  • Working an outdoor job
  • Living in a heavily wooded area

While not all species carry Lyme, many other varieties do sometimes carry other diseases. After removing any tick from your body, make sure to be on the lookout for any signs of sickness. Again, not every tick will transmit disease, but any tick bite has the potential.

Preventing Tick Bites and Lyme Disease

The best way to prevent tick bites is to avoid their habitat. When you do wander outdoors, cover as much skin as possible. You should also keep your lawn manicured and remove any excess brush and fallen tree limbs.

Mosquito Joe can also put your mind at ease. Our barrier control service will prevent all types of ticks from ruining your picnic. Ticks don’t stand a chance against our team! Get in touch with us online or call 1-855-275-2563 to schedule your tick control treatment.

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