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Keep the Fun Going All Summer Long with These Pest Prevention Tips

Keep the Fun Going All Summer Long with These Pest Prevention Tips

Summer brings with it sun, fun and unfortunately, unwanted pests. A recent online research study conducted between January 2018 and May 2019 by Advanced Symbolics Inc. using a representative sample of 274,500 Americans revealed ticks and mosquitoes are becoming increasingly problematic across the country, each experiencing a spike of 11.4 percent and 9.4 percent, respectively, from just April to May 2019. With these pest populations becoming more and more prevalent, Cycreek Pest Control is encouraging residents to protect against pest encounters that can ruin summer fun.

Although summer is a time to focus on vacation plans, barbecues and fun outdoor activities, pests and the health threats they pose should also be top of mind. With vector-borne illnesses such as West Nile virus and Lyme disease on the rise, reducing encounters with pests is a crucial step in staying safe this summer.

Protection and prevention are key to avoiding encounters with dangerous pests. Enjoy a pest-free summer with these five tips from NPMA:

• Look for Breeding Grounds: Eliminate areas of standing water around the yard, as mosquitoes only need half an inch of water to breed — that’s the size of a bottle cap!
• Wear Insect Repellent: Use insect repellent containing at least 20 percent DEET when spending time outdoors, and make sure to apply it properly; here’s how.
• Check for Ticks: Conduct thorough tick checks after spending time outdoors and wear light-colored clothing to make spotting ticks easier. If one has attached itself, this is the best way to remove it.
• Protect the Party: Keep backyard parties pest-free by covering food and beverages and sealing garbage cans. Use clear cups and cover cans to prevent stinging insects from sneaking inside.
• Rethink Your Wardrobe: Avoid wearing sweet-smelling fragrances, dark-colored clothing or sandals. Certain fragrances and colors can attract pests, and exposed skin is a magnet for biting insects like mosquitoes.