SUMMER TIPS FOR INSECT-FREE FUN! DON'T LET THE BUGS BITE
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.
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.
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.
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-
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
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. 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.
water you find.
Lastly, be sure to thoroughly check for bugs on both your family and your pets before ever setting foot inside!
2 • www.hagerstownsmiles.com
Made with FlippingBook Ebook Creator