Being safe around the summer pests

In continuing with making sure everyone enjoys the outdoors during the summer. We have teamed up again with Scott Allen, administrator for the Webster County Health Unit, this week to remind everyone to be aware of unwanted guests that will try to be a part of your life. Those guests I'm talking about are ticks and mosquitos.

These insects are active during warmer weather which can put a damper on summer activities, but there are steps you can take to have fun and be safe.

The first step is making sure to dress accordingly. Allen explains, "Wear High-top shoes or socks, long pants, and long-sleeve shirts," He continues, "You could also wear boots and even shorts but wearing higher socks will help protect your legs where ticks can hop on." The same goes for mosquitoes, as wearing this clothing can help against their bites. The Centers for Disease Control also recommends that clothing be bright as it will be easier to spot ticks and mosquitos.

Another tip is insect repellent. The CDC and Webster County Health Unit advise getting a repellant containing DEET. The repellent also needs to be applied after putting on sunscreen. "Repellants discourage tick attachment." tells the CDC website, "You must read the product label to find out how long the formula will last. Repellents containing DEET can be applied to the skin and clothing but will last only a few hours before reapplication is necessary."

It is also essential to be aware of your surroundings. Places with standing water are breeding grounds for mosquitoes. The CDC recommends checking your house and "Drain standing water found in toys, buckets, flowerpots, gutters, or other items that may collect sprinkler or rainwater." They add to replace the water in your outside pet's bowl or bird bath at least once a week.

When hiking, Allen warns to be careful "When you are walking up and brushing up against things with your arms out, that increases the tendency for ticks to be able to get on your arms or even lower legs." He adds, "As a fellow hiker, we always want to wander off the path and maybe get our feet wet or check out the scenery, but it is essential to stay on the beaten path."

Whatever activity you do, make sure when you get home, you follow the words of country singer Brad Paisley and check for ticks. If you have a tick on you, Allen instructs the surefire way to remove the tick is to "Get tweezers, and you will want to get as low as you can to the tick and pull upward to remove it." After disposing of the tick, the CDC recommends "thoroughly cleaning the bite area and your hands with rubbing alcohol or soap and water." For mosquito bites, as tempting as it is to scratch, it is best to apply for anti-itch relief.

Ticks and Mosquitoes often carry potentially life-threatening diseases, including the West Nile Virus, Lyme Disease, and Alpha-Gal. Many share the same symptoms, such as fever, headache, nausea, diarrhea, and vomiting. If you are not feeling well, Allen advises, " You will want to catch these symptoms early. Call your provider or consider going to urgent care".

However you spend your summer outside, ensure you are safe, dress accordingly, and carry bug repellant.