Snakes, Ticks, and Mosquitoes, Oh My!

With the warm weather comes lots of critters! As we start spending more time outdoors, we have a higher chance of coming into contact with many animals and insects. While some are not much more than annoying, others can cause serious problems. We have compiled some information on how to stay safe from harm from 3 offenders-snakes, ticks, and mosquitoes.

Snakes

  • First and foremost-leave snakes alone! Most snake bites occur when people try to pick up or kill a snake. If you see a snake, back up and slowly move away. Let the snake continue on its path.
  • Wear boots and gloves. Don’t reach your arm or hand into an area you cannot see.
  • Don’t attract snakes to your yard. Snakes like fallen tree limbs, debris piles, wood piles, etc. Keeping these areas to a minimum may deter snakes from setting up camp your yard.
  • If you do get bitten, seek help immediately. Try to remain calm and keep the wound lower than your heart. Any details you can remember about the snake, especially the head shape and color, will help you get the most accurate treatment.
Click here for more information on snakes that are specifically found in the Upstate of South Carolina. The American Hiking Society has created a Snake Safety fact sheet.

Ticks

When you spend time outside camping, gardening, hiking, or just playing, you may be exposed to ticks. Ticks thrive in the woods and tall grasses and weeds. They can transmit di seases and cause serious illness.

Prior to going outside, you should use a proper tick repellent. You can also treat your clothing and equipment with tick repellent. The CDC offers great advice on this topic. Be sure to follow safety rules when using repellent on young children and babies.

Wearing long sleeves and long pants can minimize exposure. Tucking pant legs into your shoes also helps. Upon returning indoors, check your body and clothing for ticks. Shower or bathe as soon as possible. If you find a tick, make sure you remove it properly, as outlined here. Never twist or jerk the tick when trying to remove it. Contact a physician if you notice any signs or symptoms of illness, such as a rash or fever.

Don’t forget to check your pets for ticks too!

Mosquitoes

While most mosquito bites are just annoying and itchy, some mosquitoes can carry and transmit diseases. The best way to avoid mosquitoes is to wear repellent! When choosing a repellent, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recommends choosing one with one of the following active ingredients:

  • DEET
  • Picaridin
  • IR3535
  • Oil of lemon eucalyptus (OLE)
  • Para-menthane-diol (PMD)
  • 2-undecanone
Cover your skin to reduce exposure. Keep mosquitoes out of your home by closing doors and windows or having screens in place. Consider having your yard treated professionally with mosquito repellent or do it yourself! Mosquitoes love water, so eliminate sources of standing water in your yard.

For more information regarding mosquitoes and the associated diseases, visit the South Carolina Department of Health and Environment Control website.

We hope these tips help keep you safe from snakes, ticks, and mosquitoes!

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