Don't let bugs take bite out of summer fun
Robin Heard |
Summer in New England not only means it's time to barbecue. It also means it's time for bugs.
Because Lyme disease and West Nile virus are concerns in Connecticut, residents must be aware of biting pests and how to avoid them.
Michael Rajkumar, MD, a member of the Backus Medical Staff who specializes in infectious diseases, said if you think you have been bitten by a tick, for example if you remove an engorged tick, you should go right in to see a doctor.
Use tweezers to slowly pull out the tick. If a tick has been on you for 24 to 48 hours, a single dose of doxycycline can be prescribed. If you wait for a rash to appear, there is a 21-day antibiotic treatment.
Dr. Rajkumar said people should watch out for ticks when walking in the woods or in long grass. Wear pants and long-sleeved shirts to prevent ticks from getting access to the skin. He recommended wearing light-colored clothing so ticks are easier to spot and remove from clothing before going inside.
To prevent ticks on your property, remove brush and keep the grass cut — ticks are more likely to be able to get on people's legs in taller grass.
Also, check outdoor pets carefully for ticks, as they can bring them into the house. Robin Heard, RN, Clinical Coordinator of the Epidemiology Department at Backus Hospital, said even if you are using a topical tick prevention method on your pets, this may prevent the ticks from embedding themselves, but they can still be carried inside, where they can then leap onto a person.
Mosquito prevention
Ms. Heard said with the high amount of rain in the spring, there could be an increase in mosquitoes this summer, at least in the early part of the season. The state Department of Health has a statewide surveillance program to collect and test mosquitoes for West Nile and other encephalitis viruses.
To help prevent mosquitoes, remove standing water from your property. This could include birdbaths, pool covers, clogged rain gutters or buckets, where mosquitoes can breed.
When going outside, be aware of peak hours for mosquitoes. Dusk to dawn are when most mosquitoes are biting, so try to avoid buggy areas during that time, or use bug repellent.
Bug repellent with DEET is recommended for repelling ticks and mosquitoes, but follow the directions for application. There also are natural alternative sprays, with essential oils, such as citronella.