• Ticks are active when ground temperatures reach 40-45 degrees Fahrenheit, while mosquitoes thrive above 70 degrees, making warmer months high-risk for bites.
• Preventative measures include using repellents containing DEET or picaridin, wearing long sleeves, and avoiding standing water.
• Tick-borne diseases like Lyme disease and alpha-gal syndrome, and mosquito-borne diseases like West Nile virus, pose health risks, requiring awareness of symptoms and proper tick removal techniques.

As temperatures rise, the risk of encountering ticks and mosquitoes increases, along with the potential for contracting diseases they carry. This article compiles advice from health experts on avoiding bites, properly removing ticks, and recognizing symptoms that warrant medical attention. The information aims to educate the public on effective prevention strategies and promote proactive health management during peak season for these pests.

• What: Preventing tick and mosquito bites, recognizing symptoms of related illnesses (Lyme disease, West Nile virus, alpha-gal syndrome), and properly removing ticks.
• Who: Lee R. Haines (University of Notre Dame), Kara Miller (Taney County Health Department), Dr. David Quimby (CHI Health), general public, pet owners.
• When: Ticks are active when ground temperatures reach 40-45°F; mosquitoes thrive above 70°F. High risk during warmer months. Lyme disease infection typically requires a tick to be attached for over a day.
• Where: Midwest region (specifically Indiana, Missouri, Nebraska), outdoor environments (grassy areas, wooded areas).

The combined information offers a comprehensive guide to preventing tick and mosquito bites and managing the potential health risks. The sources agree on the importance of using repellents, wearing protective clothing, and performing regular tick checks. A key preventative measure is avoiding areas prone to ticks and mosquitoes. Early detection and proper tick removal are critical for preventing Lyme disease. The increasing prevalence of alpha-gal syndrome, and the northward migration of tropical mosquitoes due to climate change, highlight the evolving nature of these health threats.

For Lyme disease, generally, the tick needs to be in place for over a day before you can become infected. So, if you’re out hiking for a few hours and you come back and do a tick check, even if you did have a tick on you that was infected with Lyme and you remove it right away, you’re not going to be infected.

We recommend using fine-tip tweezers and grasping the tick as close to the skin as possible. Then pull straight up. Don’t twist or jerk because that can leave the (ticks) body parts inside.

Preventing tick and mosquito bites is crucial for avoiding diseases like Lyme disease, West Nile virus, and alpha-gal syndrome. Employing strategies such as using repellents, wearing protective clothing, and regularly checking for ticks can significantly reduce risk. Prompt and proper tick removal, coupled with awareness of potential symptoms, are essential for safeguarding health. Ongoing monitoring of tick and mosquito populations and related diseases is necessary due to climate change and evolving health threats.