Today’s health beat question – how can I protect my family from ticks, mosquitos and other bug bites?
When enjoying outdoor activities there are steps you can take to protect yourself and your family from ticks, mosquitos, and other biting bugs.
First – Use Insect Repellent: Apply insect repellent every time you plan to be outside.
Next – Cover exposed skin areas. When enjoying outdoor activities such as hiking and camping, wear a hat, long sleeves, pants and socks to prevent ticks from getting on your skin or crawling up pant legs. And, apply insect repellent to the outside of clothing.
Finally, avoid insect and tick habitats. Stay away from standing water where mosquitos lay their eggs. Check areas around your home for standing water, such as children’s swimming pools, outdoor toys, and gardening areas.
Ticks thrive in wooded areas with brush, trees, and high grass and unlike mosquitoes, they don’t fly and can go unnoticed. After you leave the area check your clothing for ticks, paying special attention to creases and areas such as the backs of your knees, behind the ears and armpits.
With the proper information about ticks, mosquitos, and bug bite prevention it’s possible to enjoy the outdoors and keep yourself and your family healthy.
Horizon’s goal is to keep you and your family healthy.
Horizon Health Care, Keeping Communities Well.