The longer days and warmer weather is an invitation to spend more time outdoors.
Here at Delco Alarm Systems we take safety seriously. So whether you are spending a day at the beach, camping or simply cooking up some burgers on the backyard grill, here are some summer safety tips that can help keep your summer safe and fun.
CREEPY CRAWLIES
Delaware County and all of southeast Pennsylvania is heavily infested by the blacklegged tick. Formerly known as the deer tick, these buggers carry Lyme Disease, which if not treated early, can have serious consequences.
It’s larvae feeds on birds, mice, squirrels and other small animals, according to entomologists at Penn State University. The adult ticks prefer deer, but will feed on humans at any stage.
There are other ticks that inhabit our area of Pennsylvania. The most recognized is the lone star tick, which can spread Rocky Mountain spotted fever and other diseases.
Tick exposures increases in the spring and summer months. Just this past April, a Health Advisory was issued after the Pennsylvania Department of Health identified a steady increase in tick-related emergency room visits.
AN OUNCE OF PREVENTION
There are steps you can take to minimize your exposure to ticks. First, know they like living in wooded or grassy areas but also are found in suburban backyards.
The state department of health recommends using an insect repellent that contains 20 percent DEET on your skin and products that contain .5 percent permethrin on clothing before spending time where ticks are found. It is helpful to wear light-colored clothing outside so you can spot a tick easier. When you go inside, check your clothing and do a full-body check for ticks. Shower within two hours if possible. Make sure to check your children and pets for ticks as well.
Lyme disease can be treated with antibiotics if detected early, but prevention is key.
BUZZZZZZZ…
As they buzz by your face and bite your arms and legs, mosquitoes have ruined many a nice summer evening outdoors. But aside from the itch of a mosquito bite, know that these flying pests can be a serious health threat.
Mosquitoes spread disease, including West Nile and Zika viruses.
The same insect repellents that keep ticks at bay is also helpful in preventing mosquito bites. Getting rid of standing water, using screens on porches and doors and keeping leaves and brush from piling up also helps to keep the mosquito population down.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has detailed information about mosquitoes and preventing bites on their website.
Next up:
How you can keep your children safe this summer.