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With more time spent outdoors for activities like hiking, swimming, picnicking, and yard work, the risk of bites from ticks and mosquitoes increases, especially after periods of heavy rain, which can lead to larger insect populations, according to Jane Blocher, Executive Director of the Red Cross of Greater Kansas.

Mosquitoes and ticks are more than just annoying; they can pose serious health risks. The U.S. is home to 176 mosquito species, according to the American Mosquito Control Association, and while their bites are often noticed right away, ticks can be harder to detect. In this region, American dog ticks, Lone Star ticks, and Gulf Coast ticks are common and can transmit diseases such as Rocky Mountain spotted fever, tularemia, and STARI. The Lone Star tick can also trigger alpha-gal syndrome, a rare allergic reaction to red meat.

To reduce the risk of bites use insect repellents containing DEET, wear long sleeves and pants, and avoid wooded or grassy areas when possible. Stay indoors at dawn and dusk, when mosquitoes are most active. After spending time outside, check yourself and your pets for ticks. Keep your yard clear of standing water to reduce mosquito breeding grounds.

By taking a few simple precautions, you can enjoy a safer, more comfortable summer outdoors.