Ticks and mosquitoes aren’t just annoying. They can also spread germs that cause dangerous diseases. Here are some tips to help you stay safe:
- Use insect repellent: Apply an EPA-approved insect repellent containing DEET, picaridin or oil of lemon eucalyptus to exposed skin and clothing.
- Wear protective clothing: When spending time outdoors, wear long-sleeved shirts, long pants and socks to minimize exposed skin.
- Avoid peak activity times: Mosquitoes are most active during dawn and dusk, so try to limit your outdoor activities during these times.
- Avoid brushy areas: Ticks prefer moist and humid environments, especially around wooded or grassy areas.
- Take a shower soon after being outdoors: Showering can help wash off unattached ticks. Tumble dry clothes on high heat.
- Check for ticks: After spending time outdoors, thoroughly check your body for ticks. Pay close attention to areas such as the scalp, behind the ears, under the arms and around the waistband. If you find a tick, remove it carefully with tweezers, grasping it as close to the skin as possible.
- Create a tick-safe yard: Keep your yard well-maintained by regularly mowing the grass and trimming shrubs.
- Eliminate standing water: Mosquitoes breed in stagnant water, so make sure to empty any containers that collect water, such as flower pots, buckets or birdbaths. Keep gutters clean and ensure they are properly draining.
- Use air conditioners and screens: It’s important to keep mosquitoes outside of your home.