Preventing Tick and Mosquito Bites

Preventing Tick and Mosquito Bites

May 15, 2024 in News, Public Health

With warmer weather approaching, Delaware County Public Health is sharing the importance of knowing how to prevent tick and mosquito bites. 

The best way to protect yourself from bite exposure is to wear long sleeves and pants. Treat your clothing with insect repellent before spending time outside and remember to reapply when necessary. When applying both sunscreen and insect repellent, apply sunscreen first and repellent second. 

Ticks prefer tall grass and wooded, brushy areas. To avoid contact with ticks, keep your lawn trimmed and walk in the center of trails. Mosquitoes lay eggs and grow in still water. Check for water-holding containers both indoors and outdoors. If mosquito eggs are found, empty or throw out items that hold water such as tires, planters, toys, pools, buckets, birdbaths, flowerpots or trash bins.  

The most common symptoms of tick-related illnesses include fever/chills, aches and pains and a “bullseye” rash. A “bullseye” rash will have a circular, target-like appearance. A common mosquito bite symptom is a puffy, reddish bump that will appear quickly after the bite. If you start experiencing more severe symptoms (bullseye rash, swelling, low-grade fever, hives and swollen lymph nodes), contact your healthcare provider right away.  For more information or guidance please visit cdc.gov or Delaware County Public Health at 563-927-7551.