SUMMERTIME PESTS

from Parker County LifeStyle Spring 2020

INTO THE WOODS, I GO

Summer Pests

By Johnna Thomasson

Tips & tricks to help us tackle those true Texan Summer Pests, and I’m not talking about your nosey neighbor.

Without fail, every year we find ourselves mid-March, bundled up in our warmest attire, dreaming about sweet, sweet summertime. In our fantasy, we are on the lake, laid back, catching a tan, listening to the drip of our child’s ice cream cone melting faster than they can manage to lick it, when halfway through our daydream, BUZZZZ!

And as soon as we recognize what that sound means, the bloodsucker has already managed to sink its disgusting snout into our neck and fly off before our hand even lands, leaving us the crazy lady who just smacked herself--mosquitos, the true sign of sweet, sweet summertime!

Unfortunately, mosquitos, along with a variety of other pests, are an unavoidable part of Mother Nature. Here are a few tips and tricks to help us tackle those true Texan summer pests, and I’m not talking about your nosey neighbor. MOSQUITOS

What you need to know: Mosquitos are most commonly attracted to sitting water, sweat, and breath. They are commonly known to be disease carriers. They are least active in the afternoon.

How to avoid them: Aside from staying indoors, the best course of action to prevent mosquito bites requires the proper coverage. This includes Oil of Lemon and Eucalyptus, products containing DEET, Picaridin.

How to treat: First and foremost, don’t scratch. Instead try applying calamine lotion or a hydro-cortisone cream. If you have neither, a few natural remedies include oatmeal, honey, aloe vera or baking soda. Ideally any of these treatments should assist with both itching and inflammation. However, if skin irritation occurs from any particular treatment, stop immediately and pursue a different route.

WASPS

What you need to know: Unlike a bee, they can sting more than once. In late summer, once their nests begin to fall apart, they tend to become more aggressive and are more likely to gravitate towards food looking for a “sugar fix”, which is why we tend to find them hanging around our outdoor picnics and parties.

How to avoid: If you will be eating outdoors, try to keep all areas clean and tidy, never leaving food or sugary drinks unattended. Dispose of food and drinks properly. If you find yourself near a wasp, do not swat as you will only make it more aggressive. Remain still or leave the area by just walking in a straight line. Avoid brightly colored clothing and strong perfumes. If attacked, cover head and face as they are more likely to strike there.

How to Treat: Wash area with soap and water. This will assist in removing as much venom as possible. If you choose, you can apply a cold pack to help with pain and swelling. From there, simply keep clean and dry until healed. Severe reactions may require epinephrine.

BEES

What you need to know: Bees are a very important part of our agriculture and environment. Once they sting, their stinger detaches and they are unable to sting again.

How to avoid: A lot like the wasps, wear lightcolored clothing, no strongly scented perfumes, keep surrounding areas clean and remain calm if insect is flying around.

How to treat: Treated a lot like a wasp sting. Remove stinger if needed, wash thoroughly, apply cold compress, and keep clean and dry. Severe reactions may require epinephrine. FIRE ANTS

What you need to know: Fire ants can be identified primarily by their mound. The mound will have no center opening as usual for most ant beds. They tend to enter and exit mounds though underground tunnels. These ants gravitate towards cooler temperatures and water sources so their mounds tend to pop up usually after a heavy rain.

How to avoid: Common to the mosquito, to prevent fire ant bites, insect repellents containing DEET or Picaridin is recommended.

How to treat: In a cycle of 20 minutes on, and 20 minutes off, apply cold compresses for swelling. A hydrocortisone cream is recommended to relieve any itching, or perhaps taking an antihistamine to manage minor allergic reactions. SNAKES

What you need to know: Not all snakes are venomous. It is important to properly educate yourself on the characteristics that separate the two types as to more easily identify the threat if ever faced with it. Some of these characteristics include pupil shape, head shape, tails, etc. They can easily blend into the environment and can easily find home in wooded areas or in dark cool areas under everyday objects outdoors. Snakes are more active at night and in warm weather.

How to avoid: Avoiding trying to handle the snake. Avoid areas where a snake may be hidden (tall grass, pile of leaves, rocks, pile of wood, etc). Wear the proper attire if working outdoors (long pants, boots, leather gloves).

How to treat: If bitten, most importantly, remain calm. Remain as still as possible, lie down if able to help prevent the spread of the venom. Remove any tight clothing or jewelry near infected area and if able, cover with sterile, loose bandage. Seek medical attention immediately if you are unsure if they snake was venomous. PCLS