SUMMER TIPS FOR INSECT-FREE FUN! Don’t Let the Bugs Bite
Choose your outdoor time wisely. Mosquitoes are most active in the early morning and late evening, so avoid going outside during dawn or dusk if possible. Use insect repellents. One of the most effective ways to keep bugs from biting is to use some form of bug repellent. Today, many people opt for non-spray repellent alternatives like repellent patches, wristbands, or clip-ons, many of which work great. The type of repellent isn’t as important as whether it contains one of these main ingredients: • Lemon-eucalyptus oil • Citronella oil (combined with thyme for ticks) • Picaridin • Diethyltoluamide (DEET) Get rid of any standing water near your house. Mosquitoes use stagnant water to lay their eggs, so any filled buckets, partially filled kiddie pools, broken fountains, or even discarded toys that have collected water can all attract mosquitoes to your yard. Routinely check your yard and dump out any water you find.
August is the last full month of summer, which means bugs are at their pesky peak. If you and your family love to get outside in the summertime, protecting your family from bug bites is about more than their itchy aftermath. Bugs can carry many diseases that put you, your family, and your pets at risk. For example, mosquitoes and ticks can transmit the West Nile virus, while ticks can spread Lyme disease, Rocky Mountain spotted fever, anaplasmosis, and much more — including causing alpha-gal syndrome (AGS), which is a life-threatening allergic reaction. So if you and your family find yourselves outside this summer, here are some tips to keep those creepy-crawlies at bay. Cover up! One of the most straightforward ways to ensure no one gets bitten by a bug is to cover any exposed skin when outside. If you can, wear long-sleeved shirts, full-length pants, tall socks, and closed-toe shoes, especially when hiking or camping. And if you can, tuck your pants into your socks or shoes to prohibit anything from crawling up your legs.
Lastly, be sure to thoroughly check for bugs on both your family and your pets before ever setting foot inside!
S’mores, and tents, and campfires, oh my!
On Aug. 5, we celebrate Campfire Day, when the weather is warm and it’s peak camping season. It’s the perfect time to grab your friends and family and head out in the wilderness under the stars for a night or two. Michigan has some of the best campgrounds and natural spots to escape the hustle, connect with family and friends, and enjoy the great outdoors. Here are some of the best camping locations in the state! Tahquamenon Falls State Park
the park has tons to do while camping. You can choose your camping style: modern, rustic, or yurt! Wilderness State Park
Wilderness State Park has over 10,500 acres of campground to enjoy and explore that back up to 26 miles of Lake Michigan shoreline.
Whether you enjoy biking, hiking, or
Tahquamenon Falls State Park is home to one of the largest (and most beautiful) waterfalls east of the Mississippi River. The park features over 40 hiking trails, 13 lakes, and tons of wildlife, including coyotes, bears, bald eagles, deer, and foxes. The park has seven campgrounds for guests to enjoy and explore. Porcupine Mountains State Park The Porcupine Mountains, also known as the “Porkies,” are located in the Western Upper Peninsula and span over 60,000 acres. With tons of waterfalls, hiking trails, and sights to explore,
fishing, this park offers it all!
Lakeport State Park With 250 campsites, Lakeport State Park has many activities to keep you busy outdoors. This park is right on Lake Huron and offers gorgeous views, no matter where you choose to explore in the park. Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore If you enjoy exploring the sand dunes, this is the spot for you! You can take a guided tour or explore these giant majesties on your own! While camping, you can enjoy swimming, hiking, or fishing. It’s a great place to explore nature and have fun.
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