SOS (Save Our Skin)-- Summer Edition Part 2

Our last post covered (pun intended) how to protect ourselves from the sun. This week, we'll discuss some summer pests. Mosquitos & ticks have always been thought of as nuisances. However, did you know that both can also transmit diseases?

Mosquitos
Quick tips:  Wear long sleeves & pants. Use repellant. Eliminate standing water around your home. Electric devices have not been proven effective.
- NC Cooperative Extension's Mosquito Control Around the Home & in Communities
- Environmental Protection Agency's Mosquito Control
- Prevention's Natural Mosquito Repellants That Work
- Mayo Clinic's Mosquito Bites

Ticks
Quick tips:  Wear long sleeves & pants (tucked into socks). Check for ticks twice a day if you've been in the woods, long grass, etc. Repellants may also help. If you find a tick, use something to protect your fingers & then pull it straight off. Many home remedies are ineffective or dangerous.
- NC Cooperative Extension's Ticks & Tick-Borne Diseases
- NC Public Health's Tick-Borne Illnesses
- NC Sportsman's Keep a Tick From Ruining Your Summer
- UNC's Fight the (Tick) Bite (overview of local research done on a local product)

You may also find these helpful:
- WebMD's Identifying Bugs & Their Bites
- NC Mosquito & Vector Control Association offers related printable brochures (right column).
- Your local Cooperative Extension office or Granville-Vance Public Health's Environmental Health office can answer general questions.