Summer Safety Tips: Protect Your Family From Mosquitoes & Ticks
How To Keep Mosquitoes Away
Florida summers are perfect for outdoor activities like hiking, camping, and backyard barbecues, but it’s necessary to take precautionary measures to protect against mosquito bites before heading out for the day. One of the most effective ways to deter mosquitoes and prevent bites is by applying insect repellent before going outdoors. Follow these five steps to properly select and apply insect repellent for maximum protection.
- Opt for a product that contains an active EPA-registered ingredient, such as DEET, IR3535, picaridin, or oil of lemon eucalyptus.
- Read the product label and follow the instructions carefully. If you’re also applying sunscreen, put on insect repellent after the sunscreen is applied.
- Shake the repellent well. Hold it 6–8 inches away from exposed skin and apply it evenly in a sweeping motion.
- Spray the repellent on the palms of your hands, then apply it to your face and ears. Avoid touching your eyes and nostrils.
- Finally, apply the repellent over your clothing and ensure your ankles and feet are fully covered.
If you have a pet that spends time outdoors, you should take measures to protect it from mosquitoes as well. Ask your veterinarian about pet-safe insect repellents and try to limit the amount of time they spend outdoors, particularly around dawn and dusk when mosquitoes are most active.
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How To Protect Against Ticks
The state of Florida has no shortage of beautiful wooded areas and grasslands that are ripe for exploring with family and friends over the summer. However, it’s important to keep in mind that these are the environments in which ticks are most commonly found. Accordingly, you should take precautionary measures to protect yourself and your family from ticks before heading into the woods. Utilize the following tips to protect your family from ticks.
- Whenever possible, wear long-sleeved shirts, pants, and closed-toed shoes to limit how much skin you have exposed.
- Try to wear light-colored clothing, as it makes it easier to spot ticks.
- Wear an insect repellent spray with at least 20% DEET.
- When hiking, stay away from tall grass, brush, and the edges of trails where ticks tend to hide.
- Keep ticks out of your yard by removing weeds, regularly cutting your grass, and getting rid of any piles of debris where they could set up shop.
- Inspect cats and dogs from head to toe before bringing them indoors.
If you find a tick has attached itself to you or a family member, you should remove it immediately by using tweezers to slowly, steadily pull it off your skin. Try your best to place the tweezers as close as possible to the tick’s mouth when removing it, as this reduces the chance of its mouthparts breaking off and remaining in your skin.
Finding ticks around your property? Our trusted exterminators use a multi-step process to find, remove, and prevent ticks from returning to your property. Contact our local pest control company today to schedule a free inspection!
Schedule Professional Pest Control Services
With over 30 years of experience, Champion Termite & Pest Control has the knowledge, tools, and expertise necessary to defend your home or business from a wide range of pests. Our comprehensive 12-step pest control program is designed to help identify pests, remove them from your property, and prevent future infestations. Contact us today to schedule a free inspection or request a quote on any of our pest control services!
