Why Do Mosquito Bites Itch?

Why do mosquito bites itch so much? You've probably cursed those tiny little blood-suckers hundreds of times in your lifetime, especially if you've ever had one buzzing around your room at night as you try to go to sleep. Why do those bites itch so much, and why do mosquitoes bite us in the first place?

The female mosquito bites you because she needs blood for egg production. Male mosquitoes never bite people because they live off nectar and plant sugars. When female mosquitoes are not in egg production mode, they also are vegetarians-eating only plant sugar-but when they need to make babies, they start feeding on any and every blood source available. That means you.

When the female mosquito bites you, she deposits a small amount of her own saliva into the opening where she pierced your skin. This saliva contains proteins that cause a mild allergic reaction in most people, resulting in the classic raised bump and maddening itch. Your body produces histamines in response to the mosquito bites, causing you to feel itchy.

Interestingly enough, not all people are equally attractive to mosquitoes. Mosquitoes prefer men, people who have Type O blood and people who are overweight. Mosquitoes can smell who is going to be the best candidate for a yummy dinner, just right for producing those baby mosquitoes.  

Prevention is the best way to protect yourself from mosquito bites. Use mosquito repellant, wear protective clothing and try to stay indoors when mosquitoes are plentiful. If you are bitten, take a shower, swab the bites with alcohol, cover the bites with a paste made from baking soda and water and take an oral antihistamine. Try not to scratch; you don't want to risk a secondary infection or unpleasant scarring.