Ticks and mosquitoes don’t just annoy you, they can spread harmful bacteria that cause disease. To protect yourself, it is essential to take precautions against tick and mosquito-borne diseases.
Vector-borne diseases are increasingly common in the US, ticks and mosquitoes are carriers of viruses, bacteria and parasites that cause various diseases. Some common examples of vector-borne diseases in the United States include Lyme disease, West Nile virus disease, and anaplasmosis.
No matter where you are, mosquito and tick bites can happen anywhere, including your own backyard. Certain people are at higher risk of contracting these diseases because of their behavior or geographic location, which exposes them to ticks and mosquitoes.
Also, certain groups of people, such as older adults and those with weakened immune systems, are more likely to develop severe forms of these diseases. Knowing your risk level can help you predict exposure to ticks and mosquitoes and take appropriate precautions.
Here are some key steps CDC (CDC) recommends that you take anti-bite:
Before going out:
Use an EPA-registered repellant. Use an EPA-registered repellent that contains active ingredients such as DEET, picaridin, IR3535, oil of lemon eucalyptus (OLE), p-menthol diol (PMD), or 2-undecanone . EPA-registered insect repellents have been shown to be safe and effective, even in pregnant and breastfeeding individuals, when used as directed.
Wear loose, long clothing. Cover your skin with long-sleeved shirts and long pants to prevent tick and mosquito bites.
Treat clothing and gear with permethrin. Products containing 0.5% permethrin for the treatment of boots, clothing and gear are effective in killing and repelling ticks and mosquitoes.
Avoid hairy areas. Ticks thrive in wet and humid environments, especially in grass, bushes, or wooded areas. Take precautions during outdoor activities, around your home, or when walking through areas of fallen leaves or bushes. Avoid wooded and shrubby areas with tall grass and fallen leaves. Stick to trails to minimize contact with ticks.
Protect dogs from ticks. Since dogs are extremely susceptible to tick bites and tick-borne diseases, you should consult your veterinarian to determine the best products for your pet year-round.
Once inside:
Always check for ticks. Ticks are small and easily overlooked. After spending time outdoors, even in your backyard, give your body, children and pets a thorough check for ticks. Examine all body parts with a hand mirror or full-length mirror and immediately remove any ticks found. According to the CDC, you should pay attention to these areas where ticks typically hide:
- armpit
- hair and in and around the ears
- inside the navel
- behind the knee
- between the legs
- waistline
Take a shower. Showering after you’re indoors has been shown to reduce the risk of Lyme disease and other tick-borne diseases because it helps wash off unattached ticks. It also lets you do a thorough tick-tick check.
Dry clothes. Ticks can hitch a ride into your home through clothing. To get rid of ticks on dry clothes, place them in the dryer on high heat for at least 10 minutes. Wet clothes take longer. If cleaning is required, choose hot water, as cold or medium-warm water will not kill ticks.
Control mosquitoes inside and outside your home:
Use air conditioning and screens. Keep mosquitoes out by using air conditioners and installing proper screens on doors and windows.
Eliminate standing water. Prevent mosquitoes from laying eggs in or near water sources. Empty, scrub, turn over, cover, or discard items that hold water, such as tires, buckets, flower pots, toys, pools, water bowls, flower pot saucers, or trash containers, regularly. Perform these measures weekly.
By following these precautions, you can significantly reduce your risk of contracting ticks and mosquito-borne diseases. Stay vigilant and take the necessary steps to protect yourself and your family from the harmful effects of these vectors.
Remember, prevention is the key to fighting tick and mosquito-borne diseases.
Published by Medicaldaily.com