As the heat and humidity roll in, so too do those pesky mosquitoes and ticks, and slithering snakes. In preparation of your next camping or outdoor adventure, find out how you can keep yourself and your family safe from diseases and snakebites.
Here is what you can do to stay safe.
Snake Bites
Preventing a snake bite:
Be aware of snakes swimming in the water or hiding under objects or debris.
Back away slowly from a snake and do not touch it.
What to do if a snake bites you or someone else:
Try to remember the color and shape of the snake — it may determine the treatment involved.
Stay calm and still to slow down the spread of venom if the snake is poisonous.
Seek medical attention as soon as possible.
Apply first aid if there is a delay in getting the person to the hospital. Cover the bite with a clean, dry dressing and make sure the bite is below the level of the heart.
What NOT to do if a snake bites you or someone else:
Do not suck out the venom.
Do not pick up or trap the snake.
Do not apply a tourniquet or slash the wound with a knife.
Do not drink caffeine or alcohol.
Do not use ice or submerge the wound in water.
SOURCE: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
Tick Bite Prevention and Control
Wear light-colored clothing to better spot ticks on your clothing.
Tuck your pants into your socks to avoid ticks crawling up the inside of the pant leg.
Apply repellents to fend off ticks.
Conduct a body check when returning from areas suspected to have ticks. Use a mirror to view all parts of the body and remove ticks if found.
Check children for ticks, especially in the hair. Clothing and pets may also carry ticks so do a thorough check.
If bitten by a tick, general signs and symptoms may include fever, headache, chills, muscle aches, malaise, diarrhea (in some cases), sensitivity to light and/or rash. Seek medical care.
SOURCE: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
Mosquito Bite Prevention:
Eliminate standing water around your home to reduce the breeding of mosquitoes.
Use insect repellents, such as DEET, Picaridin, the oil of lemon eucalyptus and others to make it more difficult for mosquitoes to find you.
Wear long-sleeved shirts, socks, long pants tucked into socks, light-colored clothing, full-brimmed hat and possibly a mosquito net to cover your head or torso.
