It seems to me that around this time of year, mosquito venom becomes 25,000 times more concentrated and illicits a bump immediately. They also become super aggressive and bite (stab – let’s call what it is, it’s a stabbing from a tiny insect’s probiscus) in quick succession.

Yesterday I was assaulted multiple times by one mosquito. You could see the trail of one bite to the next. The first bite was very large, but then by the last one, which was approximately fifteen bites later, the bite was very small. That’s because the mosquito had a full belly. Meanwhile, I looked like I had measles. I made way for the calamine lotion and applied diligently. I think I used a quarter of the bottle.

I understand these bugs must have a purpose – like maybe they taste good to bats? – but mosquitoes do not need to bite me when there are many other animals outside who would be just as suitable. I’m not into rolling the dice and seeing if I get a mosquito-borne illness. But these mosquitoes do not care. I think they sense your fear and your dislike of them.

But I’m curious: are they really useful? They’re not adorable like lightning bugs or ladybugs, they are teeny, tiny vampires. And why does their venom become so concentrated at the end of the summer? I’m curious about that.

If you know what creatures feast on these little hypodermic needle-nosed bugs, and/or if you know why the venom becomes so concentrated toward the end of summer, please drop a comment.

Thanks for stopping by, and I hope you have a mosquito-free day!