This past winter was marked by warmer temperatures and little snow. Not surprisingly, experts are calling it one of the warmest winters on record, which can affect the population of parasitic bugs such as mosquitoes and ticks.
Mosquitoes and ticks can leave painful and itchy bites, as well as spread disease. But you can protect yourself.
• Prevent water from gathering in your yard. Change the water in bird baths and wading pools weekly and make sure that gutters, buckets and other containers aren't collecting water.
• Check screen doors and window screens to make sure mosquitoes can't find a way into your home.
• Use mosquito repellent as needed.
• Avoid walking through bushes and leaves.
• Wear long sleeves, long pants and socks when walking through places where ticks like to live.
• Use a tick repellent containing DEET as needed.
• Put tick medicine on your pets.
