Guilford County Department of Public Health is reminding residents that warmer weather and spring rains bring ticks and mosquitoes, which can carry dangerous diseases. Simple steps can be taken to reduce insect breeding conditions around your home and reduce the threat of insect bites.“We are thankful for the rainfall we’ve gotten recently, but standing water can create mosquito breeding areas. We must remember to empty this water from containers around our homes,” states Merle Green, Health Director. “This rainfall also gets our grass growing, so it’s important to mow our yards regularly to reduce ticks.”
Tick prevention tips include keeping grass around your home mowed and shrubby vegetation in your yard thinned out. Remove plants that will attract wild animals, such as deer and rodents. When hiking, stay close to the center of the trail (so you don’t brush up against any vegetation) and don’t sit on the ground or any logs in brushy areas.
Exposure to both ticks and mosquitoes can be limited by wearing long-sleeved shirts, long pants and socks. People should also check themselves and their family members for ticks after being outside.
Proper and prompt removal of ticks is the key to preventing any infection. Use fine-tipped tweezers to remove ticks. Get the tweezers as close to the head of the tick as possible and pull steadily. Note the day that you removed the tick on a calendar. If you become ill within the next three weeks, tell your health care provider the date you removed the tick.
Rocky Mountain spotted fever (RMSF) is the most common tick-borne illness in North Carolina. According to the NC Division of Public Health, 544 cases of RMSF were reported in North Carolina during 2007.
La Crosse virus, Eastern equine encephalitis (EEE) and West Nile virus are common mosquito-borne illnesses found throughout North Carolina. Mosquitoes can breed in just two teaspoons of stagnant water. Following these simple steps can help reduce the chance of mosquito breeding:
• Discard all containers that hold water such as tires, bottles, flowerpots and saucers, small pools, buckets and tarps. Empty them as least every seven days.
• Keep gutters clean and in good repair.
• Repair leaky outdoor faucets.
• Screen or cover any outside rain barrels used for water conservation.
• Make sure screens on windows and doors fit tightly and are not torn.
Insect repellents can also be helpful, particularly against mosquitoes. Be careful and strictly follow the manufacturer’s instructions. Following these tips can help prevent insect breeding areas and lessen the chances of insect bites.
For more information, contact the Guilford County Department of Public Health at 641-7777.
