Tick season is upon us, and the last thing you need is to have your summer ruined by a tick-borne illness.  So, I went to the website of The Dutchess County Department of Health, and got these tips.  I hope they help to keep you healthy and happy this summer!

Safety Tips to Prevent Tick-borne and Mosquito-borne Illnesses:

Insect Repellent - Keep an EPA approved repellent containing DEET or picaridin with you always.  Read labels carefully to make sure it works against both ticks and mosquitoes, and follow instructions on how to apply and pay particular attention to recommendations for use on children.

Clothing - Tuck pants into your socks and wear loose-fitting light-colored clothing to protect against mosquitoes and to make it easier to spot ticks before they get on to your skin.

Tick Checks - Check yourself, your family and your pets for ticks frequently and soon after you come in from the outdoors. Showering within two hours of returning inside can also help you find and remove ticks that may not yet have attached.

Know the Symptoms - Symptoms can be similar for both tick-borne and mosquito-borne illness, and can include fatigue, fever, headache, stiff neck, muscle and joint aches, or a rash. If you develop these symptoms, do not delay seeking medical care.

Property maintenance- Both ticks and mosquitoes thrive in moist and wet environments. Mow your grass short to lower moisture; clear brush and rake often to reduce leaf litter; drain water standing in containers such as flower pots, pet dishes, bird baths, discarded tires, and wading pool to prevent mosquitoes from breeding.

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