Tennessee Dept. Of Health Warnings About Ticks And Mosquitoes

The Tennessee Department of Health is making a stronger effort to warn residents of mosquito and tick-related illness. Abelardo Moncayo, Ph.D., and director of the Vector-Borne Diseases Program says, "We encourage Tennesseans to take tick and mosquito-borne diseases very seriously. With ongoing threats like Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever and new diseases like chikungunya emerging in the United States, it's important to protect yourself." He also points out that we have many generations in Tennessee that were never exposed to mosquitoes with these kinds of pathogens. This is a problem. People need to understand that these pests are no longer just an irritant. They can potentially spread dangerous diseases and viruses with their bites. Here are some ways you can protect yourself.

Mosquito Protection

• Given their ability to fly, mosquitoes are not an easy pest to protect against, and excess rain this summer has made their populations larger.

• Wear long sleeves and pants if you're able.

• Use repellent that has DEET in it.

• If you prefer a natural mosquito repellent, oil of lemon eucalyptus is an effect alternative. 

• You can spray your clothing if you prefer to not have repellent on your skin.

• There are shirts and hats made out of netting that can be worn if you are going to be mowing tall grass where mosquito eggs may be waiting dormant.

• If you're going to be in your backyard, consider getting a treatment for your yard. Mosquitoes wait for rain to hatch. If you kill them before the rains come, you'll have a lot fewer mosquitoes biting you.

• We all know that a good breeze can help prevent mosquito bites, but surprisingly, we don't think to create a breeze if there isn't one. If you're going to be on your porch, deck or balcony, put a fan or two out there. It will keep those mosquitoes away and keep you cool, at the same time.

 Tick Protection

This pest does not fall from trees or jump on their host; they cling your legs and climb up. But that doesn't stop these ticks from getting onto your skin.

• When you protect your pet, you protect yourself. Consult your veterinarian on products that help your pet resist ticks.

• When you travel in the woods or in tall grass, wear long pants that are tucked into your socks. It may look foolish, but it will make those ticks have to travel up your pant legs to get to your skin--instead of under your pant leg.

• Wearing light colors will help you see these pests easier.

• Spraying your pant legs with insect repellent can help as well.

• When you deter wildlife from coming onto your property, you keep them from carrying ticks in. Make sure you have no food sources on your property, like open trash cans.

• Have your yard treated for ticks. This will kill cocooned ticks and ticks that are still inside their egg sacks.

• Always check for ticks after coming in from the woods or areas of tall grass. Early detection and removal can prevent diseases before they have a chance to be transmitted.

"Take mosquitoes and ticks seriously." That is the message the Tennessee Department of Health wants you to know. Spread the word. Together, we can prevent mosquito and tick-related illness in Tennessee. Here at All-American Pest Control through our residential Perimeter PLUS Pest Control service, we can help you lessen your exposure to ticks and mosquitoes on your property. Contact us today to start sending ticks and mosquitoes away!