Avoid Insect Bites

It's the time of year when mosquitoes, ticks and sand flies are abundant. It's much more comfortable for all of us if we can avoid getting bitten by these annoying insects. Aside from the fact that an insect bite can be incredibly uncomfortable, some of the insects carry disease, i.e. malaria, west nile disease, lyme disease, Rocky Mountain spotted fever, and leishmanaisis, etc. Practice bite avoidance by following some or all of the tips listed below to minimize the possibility.

For Mosquito Bite Prevention:

▪ Liberally apply a natural oil based insect repellent when you are going outside. They will stay on your skin longer and mosquitoes do not like oil. If your activity level is high, reapply every hour to hour and a half.
▪ Make sure you apply your bug repellent thoroughly, paying close attention to
the warmer parts of your body, i.e. neck, crook of elbows & wrists.
▪Wear long, loose clothing.
▪ Choose green, brown or white clothing. Do not wear red or pink or blue.
Mosquitoes and other insects love these colors.
▪ If possible, avoid being out at dawn or dusk when mosquitoes are more active.
▪ Stay in the sun, mosquitoes prefer dark, damp areas.
▪ Eat garlic or take vitamin B-1. Avoid sugar.
▪ Mosquitoes can sense you more if your breathing is heavy or agitated. They are also attracted to sweat. If possible, stay cool and calm.
▪ Avoid perfumes and colognes.

For Tick Prevention:

▪ Use a bug repellent in the same manner you would do for the prevention of
mosquito bites.
▪ If walking through brush, meadows, leaf piles or forested areas, wear shoes,
socks, long pants tucked into your socks and wear light colors.
▪ Check yourself, your children and your pets for ticks. Carefully remove any you find. It is important to remove a tick properly. Please make sure you call your Physician if you or anyone else in your family feels ill after tick removal.

For Sand Fly Bite Prevention:

▪ Liberally apply a natural bug repellent. If you are swimming, make sure you reapply each time you come out of the water.
▪ Avoid piles of seaweed when walking on the beach as sand flies feed on organic and decaying matter.
▪ Sand Flies are most active at dawn, dusk and when night falls. Protect yourself and your family properly during those times.
▪ If visiting wetlands, swamplands, creeks, and lakebeds, other favorite places of the sand fly, make sure you wear long sleeves and long pants. Tuck your pants into your socks. Spray your skin and your clothing with your bug repellent.

Please remember that if you have been bitten and you are having fevers, chills, excessive swelling or discoloration or any other unusual symptoms that you must see a Doctor. These insects can carry disease or you could have a topical or systemic allergic reaction.