Warmer weather means more time outdoors, but it also means increased exposure to ticks and mosquitoes.
Preventing Tick Bites
Ticks are commonly found in grassy, wooded, and shaded areas. To help protect your family:
- Use EPA-approved insect repellents
- Wear long sleeves and pants when hiking
- Check children carefully after outdoor activities
- Shower after spending time outside
Pay close attention to:
- Scalp
- Behind ears
- Under arms
- Behind knees
How to Remove a Tick
If you find a tick:
- Use fine-tipped tweezers
- Grasp the tick close to the skin
- Pull upward steadily without twisting
- Clean the area afterward
** Please be aware that although other less common tick-borne illnesses have the possibility of transmission sooner with a tick bite, the organism that causes Lyme Disease (Borrelia burgdorferi) is rarely transmitted within 48 hours of tick attachment. As a result, most tick bites do not require antibiotic prophylaxis. Early removal prior to engorgement is key.
Contact your pediatrician if your child develops any combination of these symptoms:
- Fever
- Bullseye rash that develops at the site of tick attachment within 30 days of attachment
- Fatigue
- Joint pain
Mosquito Protection
Mosquito bites can be uncomfortable and may spread illness. Reduce exposure by:
- Eliminate standing water around your home. Mosquitoes lay their eggs in stagnant water, and even small amounts can become breeding grounds. Regularly empty items like flowerpot trays, buckets, birdbaths, kiddie pools, toys, and clogged gutters.
- Use screens on windows and doors. Well-fitted screens help keep mosquitoes outside while allowing fresh air into your home. Repair any holes or tears that could let insects inside.
- Dress children in lightweight long sleeves and pants when outdoors, especially at dusk and dawn. Mosquitoes are most active during these times. Light colored clothing may also make it easier to spot ticks and insects.
- Use insect repellent safely. Repellents containing DEET or picaridin are effective when used as directed. Avoid applying repellent to babies younger than 2 months old, and do not spray directly onto a child’s face or hands. Parents should apply the product to their own hands first, then rub it onto the child’s skin.
- Be extra cautious near wooded areas and water. Mosquitoes tend to gather in shady, damp environments, especially after rain.
Safe outdoor play is important for children’s health and development, and a few preventive steps can go a long way.
If you have questions or concerns about your child’s health, our office is available by phone 24/7. This information is provided for educational purposes only and is not intended to replace medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.