Fall is in the air – too soon it seems. Fall is not a detriment to mosquito and tick infestation. They are content to stay where they are, especially with the unseasonably warm weather across Canada. Don’t store away the insect repellent just yet.
Speaking about mosquitoes, they love a human host, yet it is those that carry the Eastern Equine Encephalitis virus (EEE) and the West Nile virus (WNV) that cause concern and that we need to take precautions against. Currently, there are no licensed EEE or WNV vaccines for people.
How are EEE and WNV transmitted?
Both viruses are transmitted through mosquito bites. No human EEE cases were reported in Canada in 2021, according to Public Health Canada. However, WNV has been evident in Canada since 2002, the most common and most prevalent in horses, but can be transmitted to humans when bitten by an infected mosquito that has been feeding on infected bird populations. This risk is most common in late summer or early autumn. As long as the weather stays warm, as we’ve experienced already, mosquitoes will thrive. A couple of good frosts can be helpful in eradicating mosquitoes.
Of those people infected with WNV, 90 percent have no symptoms. If symptoms do occur, they are mild. Symptoms can begin three to 14 days after being bitten by an infected mosquito. They may include fever, headache and joint pain. Only a few people infected develop serious health issues such as meningitis or encephalitis. These individuals generally either have an existing weakened immune system or are older than 50 or younger than 15.
In contrast, EEE cannot be transmitted from person to person.
Take Preventative Measures for Mosquito and Tick Infestation
Some preventative measures to reduce mosquito bites include:
- Limiting time outdoors between dusk and dawn (mosquito active period)
- Using repellents that contain DEET.
- Wearing light-coloured clothing covering as much skin as possible
- Regularly emptying standing pools of water where mosquitoes lay eggs
- Ensuring screen doors and windows have no holes and fit tightly
- Cleaning gutters from debris and leaves
- Picaridin or icaridin (a chemical found in the black pepper plant)
- Using air conditioners to keep the culprits outside
Oil of lemon eucalyptus (OLE), a plant-based product, is also as effective as the products containing DEET. Put on sunscreen first and do not apply any repellents under your clothing. Avoid spraying directly on to the face but rather spray hands and then rub on to face, avoiding the eyes and mouth. Additionally, do not apply to injured or irritated skin areas and always wash hands after applying any repellent.
To prevent tick bites, always tuck pants into socks or use tape to cover openings in clothing to ensure that ticks have no access to skin. Again, use light coloured clothing so that a tick can be seen. When hiking in the woods, try to keep to the trail’s centre as ticks are generally found in shrubs and bushes. Upon arriving home, check for ticks and use a fine-tooth comb through your hair. Shower and wash clothing at a high heat to kill ticks.
Also, inspect all body parts, such as under the arms, inside your belly button, the back of your knees, around the waist, and between the legs. Always be aware of your environment. Breeding grounds for mosquitoes and ticks include dense, dark areas, and mosquitoes love warm or wet locations.
And Most Importantly…
Remember to stay calm, don’t panic. If you find a tick on your skin, remove properly using tweezers. Grab the whole tick as close to the skin’s surface as possible and then pull the tick out with a steady, even pressure ensuring no tick parts are still attached to your skin. Then, clean the area with soap and warm water.
Summer can be a fun time of the year and most people look forward to engaging in great summer activities. Don’t let mosquitoes or ticks take that enjoyment away from you. Be vigilant at all times.