Summer is quickly approaching as the weather grows warmer and the sun sets later. Naturally, you want to be outside soaking up the sun and breathing in the fresh air. However, there are two things you should be wary of – tick and mosquito bites.
As you go on nature hikes, picnic with your friends and family, or simply sit in your backyard sipping on some fresh squeezed lemonade, you run the risk of getting these pesky and potentially dangerous bites.
Fortunately, there are ways to prevent tick and mosquito bites. You can prevent them naturally or with certified bug repellants. By the end of this article, you’ll know the risks and dangers of being bitten, how to treat them, and how to prevent them from happening in the first place.
Risks of Tick Bites in Pasadena
Maryland is full of beautiful forests and hiking trails. With gorgeous scenery comes the danger of tick bites, though. Typically found in the woods living in trees, ticks are very common in Pasadena during summer.
Ticks, while tiny, pose a great threat of life-threatening and altering diseases. In the northeastern states, deer ticks tend to carry Lyme disease, an autoimmune disease that can change your life forever in unfavorable ways.
When you have a tick bite, you’ll notice that the tick is actually attached to your skin. They will bite through and burrow their heads in order to drink your blood. This is how the diseases are transferred.
Don’t fret if you see a tick on your skin, though. It’s fairly simple to remove.
Removing Ticks
If you notice a black round thing with little legs sticking out of your skin, it’s most likely a tick. They’re easy to remove, but you do have to make sure to remove the whole tick from your skin.
First, wash the area with soap and warm water. Then take some tweezers and pinch the tick’s head. Pull gently, and it will release your skin. Be careful not to twist or rock it because it could detach and leave some behind.
Once removed, sanitize the area with alcohol. If you’re having trouble removing the tick, pour alcohol over it. This can help ease their grip.
Prevent Tick Bites
Now that you’re aware of what ticks are, the dangers they pose, and how to remove them, it’s time to talk about how to prevent them from latching onto your skin. You can do a few things to ensure you’re careful not to attract ticks to your body.
Wear the Right Clothing
When you’re out for a hike or jog in the woods around Pasadena, try to wear long-sleeved shirts and long pants. It might be uncomfortable during the warmer months, but it is essential to preventing tick bites.
Cover the parts of your body that ticks are most attracted to. These include the head and underarms.
You can also wear tight clothing to prevent tick bites. This makes it more difficult for the ticks to access your skin.
Watch Where You Walk
When you’re venturing out in the woods, try to stay in the middle of the paths. Keep away from the trees and tall grasses where ticks like to hide out.
Also, be conscious of what you touch and lean against. A tick could easily latch onto your clothing and crawl right to an exposed part of your skin.
Use Tick Repellant
You can find tick repellant sprays on the market to chemically prevent the little critters from attaching to your skin. We recommend finding a repellant with at least 20% DEET, the chemical that actually repels the ticks.
Check for Ticks
While this isn’t necessarily a prevention tip, it’s still a very important one. After being in a wooded area, check your body for ticks.
Run your fingers along your scalp to check for them in your hair. Do a complete body check, too. This includes the neck, underarms, groin, and behind the ears. It’s also a good idea to take a shower.
Remember to check your pets as well. Ticks love to latch on to your furry friend. Once they’re finished with your dog or cat, they could move on to you in your own home.
Risks of Mosquito Bites
You’ve probably had your fair share of mosquito bites in your lifetime. These bites become itchy and swollen and are definitely a nuisance during the summer months.
However, these bites aren’t just annoying; they can also be dangerous. Mosquitoes, just like ticks, carry viruses and transmit them when they bite. The most common viruses are Zika, West Nile, and Dengue.
Almost anyone is at risk of getting a mosquito bite, especially during the summer or in tropical climates. The best way to avoid these nasty little bites is through prevention methods.
Treating Mosquito Bites
Having a bunch of mosquito bites can genuinely be unbearable. The constant itching and scratching can cause bleeding and, eventually scars. Fortunately, there are some things you can do to ease the irritation.
First, wash the area with soap and water. Place an icepack on the bites for about ten minutes. You can do this as often as you’d like.
Another treatment method is baking soda and water. Mix the two and place it on the bites. This should take away some of the itchiness.
Lastly, you can use antihistamine creams or bug bite topicals to ease the need to scratch.
Prevent Mosquito Bites
Avoid the constant itching sensation and prevent it altogether with these effective tips.
Get Rid of the Source
The first thing you should do is get rid of whatever attracts mosquitoes to your area. Mosquitoes love water, and they only need about half an inch to be attracted to it.
If you notice settling water on your property, in your garage, or in your home during the summer, get rid of it as soon as possible. When you get rid of the source, you get rid of the mosquitoes.
Use Screen Doors and Windows
Who doesn’t love the breeze of fresh air in your home? If you don’t have screens on your windows or doors, though, you are inviting mosquitoes into your home.
Simply install these screens, and you’ll have a mosquito-free home when you leave your doors and windows open for the fresh air.
Use Mosquito Repellent
You can use store brand mosquito repellent that is approved by the EPA or organic home remedies. If you choose the spray from the store, make sure DEET is an active ingredient.
One home remedy you can use is lemon eucalyptus oil. Rub this on your wrists, ankles, and neck, and mosquitoes won’t dare come your way.
When sitting outside in the evening, you can also light citronella candles to repel them from the area. The smoke and scent will deter them from coming towards you.
Get a Professional Opinion
Bugs and critters are definitely not one of the most fun things to deal with during the summer. Luckily, you don’t have to deal with them. Leave it to the professionals, Brody Brothers Pest Control.
As Pasadena’s leading pest exterminators, we are happy to help you get rid of any bug, pest or rodent infestation that may be taking over your home or property.
Give us a call today and see how we can help you get rid of unwanted (and potentially harmful) pests.
