No matter where you live, chances are you'll experience mosquito bites in your lifetime. If you're lucky, it'll be just one bite at a time. But sometimes, you'll find yourself with multiple mosquito bites in one spot.
Why is that happening? And how many times can a mosquito bite one person in the first place? Let's take a closer look at who's doing the biting, why it's happening multiple times, and how you can prevent yourself from becoming a mosquito snack buffet!
Can a Mosquito Bite More Than Once?
To make a long story short, yes! A mosquito can bite you multiple times.
This often happens when mosquitoes are interrupted during feeding and don't get enough blood from the first bite. Female mosquitoes are the ones biting and have to feed until they're full so that they have enough blood for their reproduction needs. It's not unusual for a blood-thirsty female to bite an unsuspecting victim up to five or six times a day.
This debunks the common misconception that mosquitoes die after they bite their host. They actually thrive. A female mosquito gets protein, amino acids, and other nourishment from blood that allows her to reproduce. So, she enjoys blood meals throughout her entire adult life: four to eight weeks. She produces eggs whenever she has sufficient nourishment.
Why Do Mosquitoes Bite Multiple Times?
The weight of common types of female mosquitoes is about 2 milligrams, and these girls can drink three times their weight in blood. An individual mosquito could bite up to five times before she's full. If she is swatted away during feeding, she may bite even more.
Depending on your blood type, you're also more likely to be a mosquito snack. Although much isn't known about mosquitoes and blood types, studies have shown that people with Type O blood are more likely to get mosquito bites.
So, if you're scratching at multiple bites, it's probably because you interrupted this soon-to-be mosquito mom during her meal. Either that, or she brought some friends with her to feast on your blood!
How Many Mosquito Bites Is a Dangerous Amount?
Mosquito bites are annoying, itchy, and uncomfortable. However, it's unlikely that multiple mosquito bites will cause any serious issues.
Just because it's unlikely doesn't mean it's impossible, though. Excessive bites can increase your risk of contracting mosquito-borne illnesses such as malaria, Zika virus, dengue fever, chikungunya, West Nile virus, and yellow fever.
One of the biggest concerns about mosquito bites comes from secondary infections. These infections can pop up after a mosquito bite when you start itching and scratching. Scratching too much can cause open wounds that are vulnerable to bacteria.
Most of the time, multiple bites will occur from spending time in mosquito-heavy areas like places with stagnant water, coastal regions, or residential areas with poor drainage. If you anticipate spending time in these places, take proactive steps such as wearing protective clothing and applying bug repellents.
What Happens to a Mosquito After it Bites?
We already know the answer to "Do mosquitoes die after they bite you?" is no, but what happens after a mosquito gets its fill?
After it's had enough to eat, it will start absorbing the blood's nutrients, particularly proteins and iron. During the digestive process, it breaks down the blood into amino acids necessary for mosquito egg development.
These nutrients not only enable the mosquito to produce eggs but also give her the energy to find breeding sites, such as standing water or swampy grasses. Once she finds the right spot, she will lay her eggs, and the process of mosquitoes needing blood starts over again.
Stay Bite-Free
While it's true that mosquitoes need blood to survive, no one said it has to be your blood! Keep yourself free from itchy bites by using insect repellent, dressing in light-colored long sleeves, pants, or socks during peak activity time, and eliminating mosquito breeding sites from your property.
You can also take preventive action by investing in professional mosquito control services. Our Mosquito Joe® services are perfect for protecting your property before bites become an issue.
Our mosquito barrier spray can keep the biters at bay for up to 21 days. We also offer pest control and can even install a high-quality automated mosquito misting system that allows you and your family to enjoy your yard fully and freely.
All of our services are backed by the Neighborly Done Right Promise® and the Mosquito Joe Satisfaction Guarantee, so you can rest assured that we'll do the job right!
Take back your yard and make the outdoors fun again with a call to your local pest control pros at Mosquito Joe. Request a free estimate today!
This article is intended for general guidance only and may not be applicable to every situation. You are responsible for determining the proper course of action for your property and your situation. Mosquito Joe is not responsible for any damages that occur as a result of any advice or guidance derived from blog content. For the most accurate guidance, contact an independently owned and operated Mosquito Joe for more information and a professional on-site assessment.
