Autumn has arrived, signaling the arrival of cooler temperatures, pumpkin patches, haunted houses, and a plethora of outdoor activities that us Arizonans eagerly anticipate. However, it’s important to remember that during the wet and warm months spanning from late spring through fall, mosquitoes and ticks become more active. So, before embarking on your autumn adventures, it’s wise to consider these tips to ensure your family’s well-being while enjoying the great outdoors this season.

Protect yourself from ticks

Tickers are carriers of diseases like Lyme disease and are usually found in high grass or wooded areas. Before you go outdoors:

• Wear long-sleeved shirts and tuck your pants into your socks to prevent ticks from biting
• Wear light-colored clothes to spot ticks easily
• Use insect repellent

After you come indoors

• Check your clothing for ticks
• Examine gear and pets
• Shower soon after being outdoors

If you find a tick attached to your skin, simply remove the tick as soon as possible. There are several tick removal devices on the market, but a plain set of fine-tipped tweezers works very well. If you develop a rash or fever within several weeks of removing a tick, see your NOAH healthcare provider.

 Protect yourself from mosquito bites

West Nile virus (WNV) is spread to people through the bite of an infected mosquito. Because it is a virus, there is no cure for this infection. Before you go outdoors:

• Wear loose-fitting, long-sleeved shirts and pants
• Use 0.5% permethrin to treat clothing and gear or buy permethrin-treated clothing and gear

While outdoors

• Sleep under a mosquito net if outside or when screened rooms are not available
• Avoid standing water such as puddles, bird baths, and pools
• Cover strollers and baby carriers with mosquito netting

Eight out of ten people infected with West Nile virus do not develop any symptoms. If you think you or a family member might have West Nile virus disease, talk with your NOAH health care provider.

By following these simple precautions, you can ensure your family’s well-being and make the most of the great outdoors this fall. For more outdoor safety tips to keep you and your family healthy, schedule an appointment with your NOAH provider today.