When enjoying time outdoors, it’s important to be aware of mosquitoes and ticks! Prepare ahead of time and take steps to protect yourself. Here are a few quick tips to remember before you head outdoors.
· Use insect repellents with 20%-30% DEET on exposed skin and clothes. Some products must be applied more often than others. Click here find a repellent that is right for you.
· Wear appropriate outdoor clothing. Wear long sleeves, long pants and long socks to keep ticks on the outside of clothing. Wear light-colored clothing to make ticks easier to spot. Wear loose-fitting clothing so it’s more difficult for mosquitoes to bite through.
· Avoid direct contact with ticks, when possible. Walk in the center of trails and try not to brush up against plants on the edge of trails. Stay indoors during peak mosquito activity, usually dusk and dawn.
· Check for ticks after being outdoors. Make sure your gear, clothing and pets don’t have ticks before going inside. Kill any ticks that may still be on clothing: Tumble dry clothes in a dryer on high heat for 10 minutes. If clothes are damp, tumble dry on high heat for 60 minutes.
Learn more about preventing tick and mosquito bites here!
Comments