CALS Wellness Committee tip: Preventing tick and mosquito bites

Summertime is the time for getting outside and enjoying nature. However, it is also the season for ticks and mosquitoes.

And, unfortunately, things are off to a bad start according to Susan Paskewitz, UW–Madison professor of entomology.

In a recent WXPR article, Paskewitz explained that "this year had the earliest occurrence of a nymphal deer tick that's ever been recorded in Wisconsin." The article also notes that in the last 15 years, the number of reported Lyme Disease cases in Wisconsin has more than doubled.

So, how do we prevent tick bites, and also mosquito bites?

According to the CDC, there are a number of steps you can take to help prevent tick bites:

Before You Go Outdoors

After You Come Back Indoors

Similarly, the CDC provides tips for how to prevent mosquito bites:

Use insect repellent

Use Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)-registered insect repellents. When used as directed, EPA-registered insect repellents are proven safe and effective, even for pregnant and breastfeeding women.

Find the right insect repellent for you by using EPA's search tool.

Tips for babies and children

Tips for everyone

Natural insect repellents (repellents not registered with EPA)

Using these tips and tricks provided by the CDC may not fully eliminate your risk of tick and mosquito bites this summer, but they will definitely help lower the odds!