Fight the bite: Stop ticks and mosquitos from ruining your summer outings

Enjoying time outdoors with family and friends is what summer is all about. Don’t let ticks and mosquitoes ruin these fun times. As bites from these pests can spread serious disease, Taney County Health Department (TCHD) encourages everyone to take simple steps to fight the bite.  

Ticks can carry diseases such as Alpha-Gal, Lyme Disease and Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever. Mosquitoes can spread illnesses like West Nile Virus and Zika. Ticks typically live in wooded or grassy areas while mosquitoes thrive in warm, humid environments, often near standing water.  

“Mosquitoes and ticks are an ever-growing concern in our community” shares Kara Miller, TCHD Health Educator. “By taking a few basic precautions, families can lower their risk of bites and stay healthy all summer long.” 

Tips to help prevent bites 

• Avoid outdoor areas with tall grass, brush, or dense woods. 

• Remove standing water weekly from items like birdbaths, planters and pet bowls. 

• Wear long sleeve shirts, long pants and tuck pant legs into socks when out hiking. 

• Use repellents like DEET or picaridin on skin or permethrin on clothing. 

• Check your body, clothing, and gear for ticks after spending time outdoors. 

If you find a tick attached  

• Use tweezers or a tick remover to remove it promptly. 

• Grasp the tick as close to the skin as possible. 

• Pull the tweezers upwards with steady even pressure; do not twist. 

• Clean the bite area with rubbing alcohol or soap and water. 

• Watch for signs such as a rash, fever, or flu-like symptoms, and contact your healthcare provider if these occur. 

Knowing how to avoid a bite will help keep families safe from disease this summer. If you have any further questions about ticks or mosquitoes, call the TCHD at 417-334-4544. To learn about TCHD’s other services, visit taneyhealth.gov, or connect via Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn and X pages.