Stop pests from bugging you outdoors

Outdoor minded people all across the state look forward to fun in the outdoors this summer.
Now that the Fourth of July weekend has brought out campers, anglers and boaters, they should be more concerned than usual about the hazards of insects, which are expected to be in greater numbers thanks to the unusually high rain fall this year.
Don Morrison of Bolivar, Mo., said he found several ticks digging in his arm after returning from a fishing trip to Table Rock last week.
“I never gave a thought about ticks while on the water,” he said. “I guess they must have fallen from some of the brush I was fishing around.”
Pet owners have been picking ticks off their dogs, cats and even horses. Bob Lawrence of Joplin, Mo., said he has been picking ticks off some of his horses for more than a month. He attributed the presents of those blood-sucking critters to the strange weather this year.
If you are planning to hike, camp, fish or take the family on a picnic, you should know some tips for a bug-free summer, because one thing we can always count on are the bugs:
COVER UP: Cover your skin as much as possible while outdoors. When hiking, wear long sleeves and long pants with the cuffs tucked into socks. Men and boys need to be particularly careful in covering up since males are favorite targets of mosquitoes.
BE COLOR CONSCIOUS: Wear neutral colors. Mosquitoes are attracted to dark colors, especially blue, so avoid this color.
USE GOOD SENSE ABOUT SCENTS: Heavily scented toiletries are an attraction for bugs and bees. Avoid using scented soaps, lotions and shampoos before heading outdoors.
USE REPELLENTS: Like sunscreen, insect repellent is an outdoor essential. Apply the proper insect repellent to clothing and uncovered skin.
Repellents containing DEET are most effective in areas with heavy mosquito and tick infestation. If you are concerned about using a chemical, try one that uses citronella as the active ingredient.
For an itch-free summer of outdoor fun, be prepared. Always carry repellents in your vehicle’s glove compartment or your tackle box, backpack or beach bag. Even the best repellents won’t protect you when they are left at home.
Avoid spots that are popular with bugs. Mosquitoes like cool, moist places. Avoid pools of stagnant water whenever possible. Some popular breeding grounds include puddles, birdbaths and the inside of old tires.
Now that the big holiday weekend is over and with children are active in the outdoors, remember safety for them. They are vulnerable to bug bites because of their size. They are closer to the ground and to plants that harbor insects.
Make sure children are protected with proper clothing and with insect repellents that are appropriate to children. Don’t apply DEET to the hands of children who tend to put their fingers in their mouths and bathe the kids when they return indoors for the night to remove any remaining repellent.
Upon returning indoors, check for bites, especially tick bites. If you do find a tick, carefully remove it by grasping it’s head with tweezers and pulling it straight up. To reduce risk of infection, clean the tick bite with hydrogen peroxide. Watch the area for several days for a “bull’s-eye” rash.
Finally, don’t scratch. Impetigo, a common disease among children that can spread through the entire family, usually begins when a child scratches a bug bite.
Remember, bugs come out to party and feast as the weather warms up. You can make sure insects don’t spoil your next outing by being prepared and knowing the risks.
Everybody has experienced the annoyance of itchy insect bites, but some bites result in far more serious problems. More than 100 people are reported to die from insects bites or stings each year. However, the number is probably much higher since researchers are convinced that an unknown number of deaths attributed to natural causes are actually caused by insects bites or stings.
The problems posed by insects certainly warrant using protection when engaging in outdoor activities. Don’t let a bug ruin your fishing trip, family picnic camping or other outdoor activity.