Severe Weather Fayetteville, NC-Summer 2012 : Page 44
SU MM E R P E S T S These pests are not only annoying when they buzz around or cause itchy bites, they can also transmit disease, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Mosquitoes can transmit West Nile virus; ticks can transmit Lyme disease and other serious infections; and fleas can transmit plague. To prevent these illnesses, use an appropriate insect and tick repellent and apply it properly. Prime mosquito-biting hours are usually dusk to dawn, but ticks are out at all times. Avoid tick-infested areas (especially places with leaf-litter and high grasses) and use repellent containing 20 percent DEET. Treat clothing with the repellent, permethrin, (which protects through several washings) or purchase clothing that is pretreated with permethrin. After coming indoors, shower as soon as possible and check your body for ticks. Make sure that your children also bathe or shower and get checked for i Warmer temperatures aren’t just attractive to people, but to mosquitoes, ticks, and fleas as well! ticks. Wash and tumble dry your clothing and check your pets for ticks. If you find an attached tick, don’t panic, ticks are easy to remove with a pair of fine-tipped tweezers. Consult your health care provider if you develop a rash, fever, body aches, or fatigue in the one to three weeks following a bite. PREVENTING PESTS INSIDE YOUR HOME Pests seek places to live that satisfy basic needs for air, moisture, food, and shelter. You want to not only stop them from entering your home by removing the elements that they need to survive. Here are some tips: ii • Remove water. All living things, including pests, need water for survival. Fix leaky plumbing, and do not let water accumulate anywhere in or around your home. • Remove food . Store your food in sealed glass or plastic containers, and keep your kitchen clean and free from cooking grease and oil. Do not leave food in pet bowls on the counter or floor for long periods of time. • Remove or block off indoor pest hiding places . Caulk cracks and crevices to control pest access. Check for pests in packages or boxes before carrying them into your home. • Block pest entryways. Install screens on all floor drains, windows, and doors to discourage crawling and flying pests from entering your home. Photo ©iStockphoto.com/Antagain 44 i i i cdc.gov/Features/SummertimeSafety/ epa.gov/oppfead1/Publications/Cit_Guide/citguide.pdf
Summer Pests
Warmer temperatures aren’t just attractive to people, but to mosquitoes, ticks, and fleas as well!<br /> <br /> These pests are not only annoying when they buzz around or cause itchy bites, they can also transmit disease, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Mosquitoes can transmit West Nile virus; ticks can transmit Lyme disease and other serious infections; and fleas can transmit plague.<br /> <br /> To prevent these illnesses, use an appropriate insect and tick repellent and apply it properly. Prime mosquitobiting hours are usually dusk to dawn, but ticks are out at all times.<br /> <br /> Avoid tick-infested areas (especially places with leaf-litter and high grasses) and use repellent containing 20 percent DEET. Treat clothing with the repellent, permethrin, (which protects through several washings) or purchase clothing that is pretreated with permethrin.<br /> <br /> After coming indoors, shower as soon as possible and check your body for ticks. Make sure that your children also bathe or shower and get checked for ticks. Wash and tumble dry your clothing and check your pets for ticks. If you find an attached tick, don’t panic, ticks are easy to remove with a pair of finetipped tweezers. Consult your health care provider if you develop a rash, fever, body aches, or fatigue in the one to three weeks following a bite. <br /> <br /> PREVENTING PESTS INSIDE YOUR HOME<br /> <br /> Pests seek places to live that satisfy basic needs for air, moisture, food, and shelter. You want to not only stop them from entering your home by removing the elements that they need to survive. Here are some tips:ii<br /> <br /> • Remove water. All living things, including pests, need water for survival. Fix leaky plumbing, and do not let water accumulate anywhere in or around your home.<br /> <br /> • Remove food. Store your food in sealed glass or plastic containers, and keep your kitchen clean and free from cooking grease and oil. Do not leave food in pet bowls on the counter or floor for long periods of time.<br /> <br /> • Remove or block off indoor pest hiding places. Caulk cracks and crevices to control pest access. Check for pests in packages or boxes before carrying them into your home.<br /> <br /> • Block pest entryways. Install screens on all floor drains, windows, and doors to discourage crawling and flying pests from entering your home.
Publication List
Using a screen reader? Click Here