Mosquitoes, ticks, black flies – oh my

The health district recommends draining anything with standing water, such as old tires and beverage coolers (pictured) to avoid mosquitoes.

The presence of insects and things like bug bites can put a damper on anyone’s summer.

That’s why Spokane Regional Health District launched its “Bring It, Summer Pests,” program, which aims to provide residents with information on confronting pests and preventing them from ruining a person’s summer.

Kim Papich, Spokane Regional Health District (SRHD) public information office, explained that the reason the health district’s program focuses mostly on summer pests is because of the larva hatching during the hotter months.

One of the insects to watch out for is mosquitoes, which are known to carry the West Nile virus. A person who is bitten by an infected mosquito may develop flu-like symptoms or have swollen glands or a rash. In rare cases, the virus will cause a fatal illness. West Nile affects the elderly and those with underlying health conditions.

Mosquitoes are known to lay their eggs on water. While lakes and ponds are good places, these insects can use anything that holds water as a breeding site. Papich recommends people drain anything with standing water, as well as dry off items that collect moisture, like tarps, bird baths and buckets. Residents should also keep their doors and window screens secure. Residents who own horses should take caution as West Nile can cause serious illness or death to their animals.

Ticks are another insect residents should watch out for this summer. These critters can cause relapsing fever, Lyme disease and Rocky Mountain spotted fever. Residents should clean up leaf piles, mow their grass and keep trees and bushes trimmed. They can also install three-foot wide woodchips and mulch, which act as a tick barrier.

If someone is hiking, they should walk in the center of trails and stay out of wooded and bushy areas to avoid contact with ticks.

After they are finished with their hike, people should conduct a full-body tick check using a mirror, as well as examine gear and pets. Putting clothes in the dryer after an hour can kill any remaining ticks.

To remove a tick, use fine-tipped tweezers. While protecting the fingers, grasp the tick as close to the skin surface and pull upward then disinfect the skin. Papich said people should not twist the tick as it can leave its mouth parts on the skin.

“People should also avoid using home remedies,” she added, referring to the use of nail polish, Vaseline or fire to remove ticks as it can increase the chance of transmitting diseases.

The health district recommends people watch out for black flies. Although these insects drain blood like mosquitoes, they do not carry diseases, but can annoy humans and animals.

Residents can wear light-colored long pants, long-sleeved shirts and hats and use insect repellent, especially if it has diethyltoluamide, to reduce the chances of getting bit.

“It’s simple things that can help protect you from insects,” Papich said.

If a person is bitten, they should apply topical cream or products to reduce itching. Avoid scratching to reduce chances of infection.

Another summer pest that is not an insect is mice. Residents should keep outside cooking areas clean, put food in concealed containers, keep lids on trash cans and put compost bins away from the house. They should also set traps and remove possible nesting sites such as tires and old cars.

If homeowners find evidence of rodent droppings, they should spray the area with a mix of bleach and water and let it soak for five minutes. Use a paper towel to clean up and dispose of the waste.

Papich also cautioned residents to watch out for bats carrying rabies.

“If their dog brings a bat into their home, they should contact their veterinarian and the health district,” she said.

Al Stover can be reached at al@cheneyfreepress.com.