Warmer temperatures aren't just attractive to people, but to
mosquitoes, ticks, and fleas. Mosquitoes can transmit West Nile virus; ticks
can transmit Lyme disease and other serious infections; and fleas can transmit
plague.
To prevent these illnesses, use an appropriate insect and tick
repellent and apply it properly. Prime mosquito-biting hours are usually dusk
to dawn, but ticks are out at all times. Young ticks are so small that they can
be difficult to see, but both young and adult ticks hungrily look to animals
and sometimes people to bite.
To keep ticks at a distance, avoid tick-infested areas (especially
places with leaf-litter and high grasses) and use repellent containing 20%
DEET. You can also treat clothing with the repellent, Permethrin, (which
protects through several washings) or purchase clothing that is pre-treated
with Permethrin. Always follow the directions on repellent packaging.
After coming indoors, shower as soon as possible and check your body
for ticks. Make sure that your children also bathe or shower and get checked
for ticks.
Wash and tumble dry your clothing and check your pets for ticks. If you
find an attached tick, don't panic, ticks are easy to remove with a pair of
fine-tipped tweezers. Consult your healthcare provider if you develop a rash,
fever, body aches, or fatigue in the 1-3 weeks following a bite. It could be
any number of illnesses.
Pesticides, vegetation-free play areas, and landscaping techniques for
tick-free zones can also help limit your exposure to ticks and other insects.
Source: Centers for Disease Control
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