Summertime means BBQs, camping, swimming, and many of the other outdoor activities that we love. But the Summer is also enjoyed by many of the bugs and insects that we dread. Whether they bite or sting, they sure know how to ruin the fun! Let’s discuss the usual suspects and tips to help protect you and your family outdoors this Summer.
- Mosquitoes: Not only can mosquitoes ruin a camping trip faster than you can say, “Smores”, but they can also carry pathogens that may cause diseases such as West Nile virus, Zika virus, Malaria, and more.
- If possible, avoid going outdoors at dawn or dusk. If you must go outside to walk the dog or if you’re having a BBQ, the Thermacell Mosquito Repeller or Thermacell Mosquito Repellent Outdoor Lantern helps to safely repel mosquitoes in a 15’x15’ area and is EPA approved.
- Wear clothing that covers your arms, legs, and neck. White Sierra Bug Free clothing does double duty keeping you covered and repelling pests with built-in Insect Shield® mosquito and bug repellent protection. Add a buff and you have a great way to protect your neck! Not only will it keep the bugs from biting, but it will also help prevent sunburn.
- Apply insect repellent. Sawyer Picaridin Insect Repellent safely repels bugs for up to 14 hours and is endorsed by the CDC.
- Ticks: Although they are a year-round threat, ticks are found in more in abundance in the warm-weather months. Not only can they sneak onto you undetected, but their bite can also potentially be harmful.
- When in wooded areas, tall grass, or weeds wear close-toed shoes and clothing that covers your arms, legs, and head. ExOfficio BugsAway® clothing will keep you covered, complete with socks and a bandana.
- Use a pest repellent with DEET. Ben's® 100 MAX Tick & Insect Repellent contains the maximum amount of DEET for use in areas of high bug density when other repellents just don’t cut it!
- Try to stay in the center of trails when hiking. However, if you like to go off the beaten path, gaiters are an excellent extra layer of protection!
- Always check your clothes, hair, and skin carefully before going indoors. If any ticks are found remove them as soon as possible.
- Bees & Stinging Insects: Depending on how a person reacts, bees and other stinging insects can leave a painful, swollen mark after stinging.
- Wear shoes outdoors, especially when walking in grass.
- Should a bee, wasp, yellow jacket, or hornet begin flying around you, stay calm! Swatting or sudden movements may cause them to become aggressive.
- Avoid wearing sweet-smelling perfumes outdoors. Bees and other stinging insects love them, as well as other pests.
- If you do get stung, treat it appropriately as soon as possible. Should you experience a severe reaction, such as swelling in your face, tongue, or throat seek immediate medical attention.
- Ants: Probably the most common of all summer bugs are ants. They never seem to miss a picnic or BBQ and are the sometimes the hardest to avoid!
- Wear shoes outdoors, especially when walking in grass.
- Should you get bitten by ants, treat the affected area as soon as possible. If you experience a severe allergic reaction, seek immediate medical attention.
With the tips above, you and your family will find the outdoors more enjoyable this Summer. Gear up for adventure with Ramsey Outdoor!
