Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst -- As the weather gets warmer and we start spending more time outside, ticks and mosquitoes also become more active. Although ticks and mosquitoes can carry diseases, their bites can be prevented.
Ticks are found in our backyard, along hiking trails, and other frequently trekked paths. They can detect humans and animals from their breath and body odors. Ticks cannot fly or jump, they wait on the tips of grasses and shrubs for the opportunity to climb up a host as it walks by. Ticks crawl up to warm places, mainly on the scalp, under the arms, and between the legs, but they are also commonly found around the ears, around the waist, inside the belly button, and behind the knees. Because of the saliva secreted when they attach, hosts are usually unaware when they bite.
There are many ways to protect against tick bites. The first, is to avoid contact with ticks by not moving through high grassy areas and by walking in the middle of trails. Next, use insect repellents approved by the Environmental Protection Agency that contain DEET, picaridin, IR3535, Oil of Lemon Eucalyptus (OLE), para-menthane-diol (PMD), or 2-undecanone. Babies under 2 months old should not use insect repellent and children under 3 years old should not use products containing OLE or PMD. You can also treat your clothing, outerwear, and gear with permethrin. When you return indoors, tumble dry clothes on high heat for 10 minutes and shower immediately to wash off any unattached ticks. Lastly, be sure to complete a full body tick check.
If a tick has attached, remove using tweezers. Grab the tick’s head as close to the skin as possible and pull straight back steadily. The skin will be pulled slightly, remember to stay calm. Clean the bite with alcohol and then soap and water. DO NOT twist when trying to remove and DO NOT use nail polish, Vaseline, or a hot match to try to “suffocate” the tick. Bring the tick to Public Health to send off for identification. It is important to note that even if the tick tests positive for a disease or if the particular species can transmit a certain disease, it does not mean you have that disease. Transmission is not immediate. Ticks usually have to be attached between 12-48 hours to transmit a disease. If you have symptoms such as a fever or rash, please consult your provider. It can take several weeks for it to manifest.
The mosquito is another pest that becomes more active in the summer. Different mosquitoes spread different illnesses and can bite at different times of the day. Like ticks, mosquito bites can also be prevented with the use of insect repellents and permethrin. Long sleeved shirts and pants are also recommended. For your home, make sure there are screens on windows and doors and that they are in good condition. Mosquitos lay eggs near water. Check around your home for areas where water can accumulate and be sure to drain and scrub, turn over, cover, or throw away these items.
Public Health conducts entomology surveillance using marked devices. Please do not disturb the equipment as this can skew our results that impact the control measures needed to keep the base population safe by reducing the risk of certain vector-borne diseases. If you have any questions or need further guidance, please contact Public Health at 609-754-9766.