Protecting Yourself from Ticks and Mosquitoes: Risks and Prevention

Tick Surge and Associated Risks

• ⚠️ Climate change with milder winters and rainier springs is causing ticks to emerge earlier and remain active longer.
• 📈 ER visits for tick bites are at their highest levels in at least 5 years, with significant activity reported in the Northeast, Mid-Atlantic, and Upper Midwest, and unusually, on the Pacific Coast.
• 💡 The blacklegged or deer tick, often as small as a poppy seed, transmits Lyme disease, anaplasmosis, and babesiosis.
• 🚨 A larger tick, the Lone Star tick, is also becoming more common and can trigger a red meat allergy.

Tick Prevention Strategies

• 🚶‍♂️ Stick to paths and trails and avoid tall grass or wooded areas where ticks commonly reside.
• 👕 Wear light-colored clothing, tuck pants into socks, and consider spraying clothing and exposed skin with insect repellent to spot and deter ticks.
• 🚿 Upon returning indoors, remove all clothing, perform a full body tick check, and shower.
• 🐶 Remember to check pets and children for ticks.
• 🩺 If a tick has been attached for over 24-36 hours, consult a doctor, as a single dose of doxycycline can significantly reduce infection risk.

Mosquito Population Increase and Dangers

• 🦟 Mosquito populations are also on the rise, largely due to climate control.
• 🧠 Mosquitoes can transmit serious diseases like West Nile virus and Triple E virus, which can cause inflammation of the brain and neurological problems.

Mosquito Bite Prevention

• 🛡️ Keep skin covered with long sleeves and pants, and use DEET-containing insect repellent.
• 🌃 Avoid outdoor activities during dusk and dawn, when mosquitoes are most active.
• 💧 Eliminate standing water in containers like buckets, old tires, and pet bowls on your property, as this is where mosquitoes lay their eggs.