The National Pest Management Association shares tips for reducing
exposure to insect and tick bites
FAIRFAX, Va.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–#lymedisease–As warm weather starts to move in across the country, several regions
are now reporting an increase in mosquito and tick activity. A recent
online research study conducted between January 2018 and May 2019 by
Advanced Symbolics Inc. using a representative sample of 274,500
Americans revealed ticks and mosquitoes are becoming increasingly
problematic across the country, each experiencing a spike of 11.4
percent and 9.4 percent, respectively, from just April to May 2019. With
summer now right around the corner, the National
Pest Management Association (NPMA) is urging the public to take
preventative measures to protect against the health threats posed by
these biting pests.
“With the seasons changing, people are spending more time outdoors with
their families, friends and pets, increasing their exposure to sunshine
but also to biting pests such as mosquitoes and ticks,” said Jim
Fredericks, Ph.D., chief entomologist and vice president of technical
and regulatory affairs for the National Pest Management Association (NPMA).
“Mosquitoes and ticks are problematic and are known as vector pests,
which means they can carry pathogens and are capable of transmitting
infection to humans through their bites. It is important to take
preventative measures to protect against these biting pests to reduce
the transmission of diseases.”
Blacklegged
ticks, also known as deer ticks, can transmit Lyme disease to a
person’s bloodstream in as little as 24-36 hours after attaching to a
human host, and both the Rocky Mountain wood tick and the American dog
tick can transmit Rocky Mountain spotted fever after being attached for
only two hours, making thorough tick checks and quick removal crucial in
reducing the threat of disease transmission. Additionally, mosquitoes
spread West Nile virus, which has been detected in all 48 continental
states, Washington D.C. and Puerto Rico, and can also transmit Zika
virus, dengue fever and chikungunya to humans.
To help protect families and pets this season, NPMA is sharing the
following tips for avoiding contact with mosquitoes and ticks:
-
Always apply
an insect repellant containing at least 20 percent DEET, picaridin,
IR3535 or oil of lemon eucalyptus when spending time outdoors, and
reapply as directed on the label. -
Wear long pants, long-sleeved shirts and closed-toe shoes when
outdoors. Choose light colored clothing that makes it easier to spot
ticks and other insects. -
Reduce the amount of time spent outside during dusk and dawn when
certain types of mosquitoes are most active. -
Keep grass cut low, as ticks are found in high grass. Remove weeds,
woodpiles and debris. -
Eliminate areas of standing water around the home such as flowerpots,
birdbaths, baby pools, grill covers and other objects where water
collects. Mosquitoes need only about a half inch of water to breed. -
Inspect yourself and your family members carefully for ticks after
being outdoors. -
If you are concerned about ticks or mosquitoes on your property,
contact a licensed
pest professional.
For more information on mosquito and tick prevention, or to find a
licensed pest professional, visit PestWorld.org.
About the National Pest Management Association
The NPMA, a non-profit organization with more than 5,500 members, was
established in 1933 to support the pest management industry’s commitment
to the protection of public health, food and property from the diseases
and dangers of pests. For more information, visit PestWorld.org or
follow @PestWorld on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest and YouTube.
Contacts
Samantha Kamen
Vault Communications, Inc.
[email protected]
(610)
455-2784
