Hey there! I just got back from a fun hike in the woods. I saw some cool things like wallflowers, birds, and pretty rocks. But I also came back with lots of mosquito bites! If you’ve been outside, you’ve probably had mosquito bites too. They leave behind red, itchy bumps. But why do they itch so much?
First, let’s learn a bit about mosquitoes. Did you know that only female mosquitoes bite? And it’s not really a bite; it’s more like a jab with something called a proboscis. A proboscis is a special mouthpart that looks like a long tube or straw. Butterflies have them too, but they use theirs to sip nectar from flowers. Female mosquitoes use their proboscis to take a tiny sip of blood from right under your skin.
When a mosquito bites, she leaves behind some chemicals in your skin. These chemicals help her drink your blood and keep you from feeling the pinch. But after she flies away, your body’s immune system notices these chemicals. Your immune system is like a team of soldiers protecting your body from things like bacteria and viruses.
When your body finds the chemicals left by the mosquito, it sends extra blood and fluids to the bite. This helps protect the area and get rid of the chemicals. But it also makes the area swell up, causing a bump. The swelling sets off nerves in your skin, which send messages to your brain saying, “Hey, something’s going on here!” That’s why you feel the itchy tingle.
Even though it’s hard, try not to scratch the bumps. Scratching makes your skin more irritated and can make the itch worse. Instead, you can use ice or a paste made from baking soda and water to help with the swelling and itch.
So remember: Stop scratching! Thanks for joining us on SciShow Kids. If you have questions about bugs, birds, dinosaurs, or anything else, ask an adult to help you leave a comment or email us at [email protected]. See you next time!
Observe and Draw: Go outside with a parent or guardian and find a safe place where you might see mosquitoes, like near a garden or a park. Observe the area and see if you can spot any mosquitoes. Draw a picture of what you see, including any plants, animals, or insects. Can you draw a mosquito and label its proboscis? Share your drawing with your class and talk about what you observed.
Experiment with Itch Remedies: With the help of an adult, try making a paste using baking soda and water. Apply it to a small area of your skin (not on a mosquito bite) to see how it feels. Then, try using an ice cube wrapped in a cloth on the same area. Discuss with your adult helper which method feels cooler or more soothing. Why do you think these methods help with mosquito bites?
Think and Share: Imagine you are a mosquito for a day. Write a short story or draw a comic strip about your adventures. Where would you go, and what would you do? How would you avoid being swatted? Share your story or comic with your friends or family and talk about what you learned about mosquitoes.
