Summer Pest Health Threats

FAIRFAX, Va. (June 26, 2014) – Summer is a great time to be outside but also when consumers are at highest risk of bug bites, insect stings, and vector-borne diseases.

Mosquito can spread diseases such as West Nile virus and Eastern equine encephalitis while tick bites can transfer Lyme disease and Rocky Mountain spotted fever. Different people have different reactions to these illnesses, which could last anywhere from a few days to years in the body.

Although the summer months are hot, wearing long sleeves and pants when outdoors reduces the amount of skin these pests can access to bite. Using insect repellent with at least 20 percent DEET is also a good way to prevent bites.