Spring just made a homerun and summer is running up to the plate right at its heels. This has landed us in the throes of the most active season of the year for fun, families and v-a-c-a-tion – we’re gonna have ball!
Unfortunately, along with all the sporting events and family outings during this season come the pesky little critters like mosquitoes, fleas, flies, chiggers, spiders and ticks. However, we don’t have to play victim. There are tons of products that can help, and along with some research and planning before we head for the woods, we can run home bite free!
Most bug bites are harmless, leaving no more than just a red, itchy bump or rash behind, but some, like mosquitoes and ticks, can carry life-threatening diseases. And with children who scratch with not so clean hands, bites can turn into infected sores. Some spider bites can be fatal if not checked by a doctor soon.
You can get the West Nile Virus, Eastern Equine Encephalitis and Dengue Fever from mosquitoes, and ticks carry Lyme Disease and Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever.
Mosquitoes primarily feed on nectar from flowers, and the female is the mosquito that bites, seeking protein from our blood to help develop her eggs. The bites can appear immediately or take up to two days to appear, and typically, they cause extremely itchy red bumps that if scratched can get infected.
Certain people (yours truly) taste better to mosquitoes and other pests than others. At one time, I worked for a dermatologist who claimed I must smell like a dog because mosquitoes, fleas and ticks were so attracted to me. He considered that a funny little joke, but I never saw the humor in it. Researchers claim men, people with type O blood and people that generate additional body heat are more susceptible to bites. I’m not sure which of those categories I fit in; maybe not any. Maybe I am just sweeter!
There are a few ideas for making your summer bite free. First, there are various spray products on the market for your lawn. Most hardware stores or lawn and garden nurseries carry a variety. Apply these directly to the grass and shrubbery via a spray bottle attached to a water hose. They work well, and the applications last around 24 hours. If it rains, they will need to be re-applied. This is usually the least expensive system.
The above treatment is also helpful around your campsite, provided there is access to water. If you are roughing it in tents, treat those before you leave home, along with other outdoor items. Apply a spray skincare product to your sleeping bags and clothing. And don’t forget the citronella candles!
Some lawn care companies or bug companies will apply insecticides for you on a monthly basis. The only drawback to this type of treatment is that if Mother Nature decides to visit soon after it is applied, you have wasted your money. The rain will wash the insecticide away.
In addition, there are companies that will install misters around your home. These are programmed to spray a certain dosage of insecticide at a given time throughout the bug season. These are becoming increasingly popular; however, they can be pricey. Most companies will do a free estimate.
Bug repellents make it difficult for bugs to find you and there are several new products on the market for protecting you, and your loved ones, including all-natural “non-chemical” sprays and oils.
Look for repellents with picaridin, oil of lemon, eucalyptus, or IR3535 to avoid mosquito bites. Although the citrusy, clean scent of lemons and oranges might be refreshing to us, it is annoying to most flying creatures.
Bug repellents and tips
• Don’t spray your face. Use your hands to apply to your face or buy repellent wipes designed for that purpose.
• Don’t apply repellent to babies under two months of age.
• Spray it on your clothes and on exposed skin.
• A shower, within two hours of coming inside, can help to remove ticks and lower your risk of lyme disease.
• Use a spray with permethrin on your clothes, shoes and camping gear to repel and kill ticks. (Don’t use permethrin directly on your skin.)
• EPA-registered repellents include products containing DEET (N,N-diethylmetatoluamide) and picaridin (KBR 3023). DEET concentrations of 30 percent to 50 percent are effective for several hours. Picaridin, available at 7 percent and 15 percent concentrations, needs more frequent application.
• DEET formulations as high as 50 percent are recommended for both adults and children over 2 months of age. Protect infants less than 2 months of age by using a carrier draped with mosquito netting with an elastic edge for a tight fit.
• When using sunscreen, apply sunscreen first and then repellent. Repellent should be washed off at the end of the day before going to bed.
• Inspect your body and clothing for ticks during outdoor activity and at the end of the day. Wear light-colored or white clothing so ticks can be more easily seen. Removing ticks right away can prevent some infections.