Healthy Habits: Ticks and Mosquitos

It’s one of the most annoying sounds that invade our space in the summer…that BZZZZZ from a mosquito. And, where there’s a buzz comes a bite, oftentimes followed by itching and swelling. Unfortunately, mosquitoes aren’t the only summer pest that cause a mean bite. Ticks are also on the prowl for a blood meal – and humans make great hosts.

Although tiny, these biting pests can leave bigger problems than just itchy welts on the skin. They are known to transmit germs and pathogens that cause Lyme disease, West Nile virus, Zika virus and other dangerous diseases. What’s more, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recently reported that disease cases from mosquito, tick and flea bites tripled in the U.S. from 2004 to 2016. ^[1]This makes prevention of the utmost importance as we head into the summer months.

The good news is your audience doesn’t have to spend the summer months cooped up inside to avoid the wrath of mosquitoes and ticks. There are steps they can take to help keep these pests at bay while enjoying the great outdoors. And, the keys to doing so might be more obvious than people may think.

On Friday, June 22^nd, Jorge Parada, MD, MPH, infectious disease specialist and medical advisor for the National Pest Management Association (NPMA), will be available to discuss tick and mosquito prevention and home remedies.

This interview is sponsored by National Pest Management Association (NPMA).