What´s Bugging You?

Spring is here, and with it come the beauty, renewal – and bugs – of a new season. Hunterdon County leads the nation in Lyme Disease, so it´s especially important for everyone who lives here to be vigilant EVERY day.

Lyme ticks need 24 to 36 hours to transmit the spirochetes that cause Lyme, so the good news is that, when caught early, the bites can turn out to be just annoying itchies. But since many of us don’t take the time to give ourselves a really good "going over" every night, we can miss them. Lyme ticks are also surprisingly SMALL – smaller than a sesame seed – so we need to become familiar with all those freckles and spots, then watch them for changes.

Drought years may be good when it comes to mosquitoes. Look over your yard regularly, and eliminate all standing water – including saucers under flower pots and recycling buckets or trash can lids. The little puddles that gather there are ideal mosquito breeding pools. Otherwise, protect from bites by using repellant and wearing long sleeves and pants.

The sting of a bee or wasp can mean serious illness or death to an allergic person. Even for the non-allergic, a "simple" bee sting is no fun. Prevention involves avoiding nests and hiding places. Teach young children to LOOK before they reach to pick that flower, sit on that park bench, or drink from a soda can or juice box at their picnic. Avoid using perfume or fragrances if your plans include a picnic or outdoor party.

Prevention is still the best line of defense this Spring and every season!