We are finally able to enjoy some nicer weather, and those pesky biters are already out in full force.  I’ve already been stung by a wasp, bitten by a tick and been the victim of many mosquito feasts, and it’s not even June.

Unfortunately, these relentless party poopers are more than a nuisance and can spread harmful diseases or cause an anaphylactic shock. 

You want to have a great summer, so make sure that you’re informed and focus on prevention by minimizing your encounters and keeping yourself safe. 

Bee, hornet and wasp stings

Bee, hornet and wasp stings can hurt like hell and are dangerous for some individuals.

Bees only sting once and leave a stinger behind that’s attached to a venom sac.  Hornets have a stinger and can sting multiple times. Wasps do not leave stingers behind and are capable of stinging more than once. 

To treat a sting from a bee, wasp, or hornet, dermatologists recommend the following tips:

1.         Stay calm.  Although most bees usually only sting once, wasps and hornets can sting again.  If you are stung, calmly walk away from the area to avoid additional attacks.

2.         If stung by a bee, remove the stinger.  If the stinger remains in your skin, remove it by scraping it with your fingernail or a piece of gauze.  Never use tweezers to remove a stinger, as squeezing it can cause more venom to release into your skin.

3.         Wash the sting area with soap and water.

4.         Apply a cold pack to reduce swelling.  However, if the swelling moves to other parts of your body, such as your face or neck, go to the emergency room immediately, as you might be having an allergic reaction.  Other signs of an allergic reaction include difficulty breathing, nausea, hives, or dizziness.

5.         Consider taking over-the-counter pain medication.  Bee, wasp, and hornet stings are painful.  Painkillers like acetaminophen or ibuprofen can help relieve the pain.   Source

I was stung by a wasp last week, and the pain was so excruciating that I was jumping up and down.  I didn’t feel any relief until I held ice on the sting site for a few minutes.  Luckily, I was fine. 

Tick bites

Tick bites can cause numerous diseases; the most common is Lyme disease, a bacterial illness that can cause abnormalities to the skin, joints, heart and nervous system. 

Ticks need blood to survive, and once they attach themselves to you, the sucking can last for several days.   While sucking, the tick is also spitting saliva, and if it is carrying a disease, the saliva carries it into your body.  Once the tick becomes fully engorged, the greater your risk.  So creepy.  This sounds like a scene with a vampire in a horror movie. 

If you feel the tick biting, remove it immediately by using use a pair of pointy-tipped tweezers.  It’s amazing how strongly they adhere to your skin, so make sure you grab as close to your skin as possible and pull straight up without twisting or jerking. 

Detecting tick bites can be tricky because not everyone feels the bite.  I felt mine right away and was able to remove it.  Sometimes a person may experience multiple rashes that may look like a bull’s eye.   I know a few people who had no idea that they were bitten and suffered from symptoms for years until they were diagnosed with Lyme disease. 

If you know that you have been bitten, speak to your family doctor right away.  After I removed my tick safely, I attended my local emergency department and was given a single dose of strong antibiotics.  The doctor was cautious but did not think I was at much of a risk because the tick was not engorged, so therefore, their salvia did not enter my body, lucky me. 

Mosquito bites

Mosquitos can carry mosquito-borne viruses such as West Nile or Zika.  In some cases, viruses can cause swelling of the brain and lead to a severe headache, high fever, confusion, weakness and even death.  In other cases, symptoms may go unnoticed but may still be severe.

Tips to avoid tick and mosquito bites

• If you are walking through tall grass or the forest, then cover exposed skin by wearing long-sleeved shirts, long pants and hats.  Tuck pants into socks and tops into your pants to reduce the chance of ticks getting onto the skin.

• Avoid perfume or scented lotions.

• Remove or avoid stagnant and standing water.

• After I walk Peggy, I place all my clothing in the dryer for 10 minutes.  This will kill any ticks.

• I also check Peggy regularly, and she takes anti-tick medication. 

• Use a quality insect repellent.  You might be comfortable using products that contain DEET.  I’m not.  I tried to obtain some research on the pros and cons of DEET and spent hours in a google rabbit hole finding many articles listing its’ harms and many stating that it is harmless.  

I have been using a product that is DEET free, but it has Picaridin, which is not safe for my Peggy.   

Please note that products that use DEET, Picaridin, Citronella and certain essential oils are NOT SAFE FOR PETS. 

Luckily there are natural alternatives.  Bees, wasps, ticks and mosquitoes are not fans of citrus.   Try these homemade sprays that are safe to use on humans and animals. . 

Homemade Bug Spray

•           1 glass spray bottle

•           15 drops of lemon eucalyptus essential oil

•           2 oz witch hazel or another carrier oil like MCT or almond oil (use oil if your dog will be going in the water)

You can also experiment with 1 or more of these additional ingredients:

•           1 tsp real vanilla extract

•           OR 6 drops peppermint essential oil

•           OR 3 drops lavender essential oil or cedarwood essential oil

Directions

1.         Mix the ingredients together in your glass spray bottle.

2.         Shake well before applying.

3.         Spray your dog all over, taking care not to spray his eyes.

If you don’t have access to essential oils, then cut up some tart fruits and rub them on your pet’s coat, avoiding eyes and any open cuts.  Or make an easy lemon juice spray by combining juice from six fresh squeezed lemons and a quart of water.  Bring it to a boil, let it steep for an hour, and then put it in a spray bottle once it cools.

Essential oils are available in most health food stores, some drugs stores and can be ordered online.

I’m glad to have found something that I can easily make that will protect Peggy and me and keep all the party poopers at bay.

Does anyone have any pest stories to share?

Be well and enjoy this glorious weather.

Anita

County Yoga Loft

Zoom Yoga Class Schedule  

Resources:

1.    Dogs Naturally Magazine

2.    Animals Humane Society

DISCLAIMER; The information provided on County Yoga Loft’s website blog is for general health care informational purposes only. All information on the site is provided in good faith. However, it should not replace consultation or advice from a physician and/or other healthcare practitioners. The use or reliance of any information contained on this site is solely at your own risk.