Insect Bites in Rome, Georgia

There are a lot of things that can bite your kids in Rome. As a parent, it is important to know how to recognize signs of something serious and how to treat bites, so that your kids–and you–can get back out to play. This is by no means a comprehensive article on the topic of insect bites. Our focus is to cover the three types of bugs that will bite you most and give you some tips on how to lessen the impact these bugs can have on a beautiful summer day.

Stinging Insects

Here are some things you and your kids need to know if you get stung by anything.

· Most bites are benign, but if you or your child has an allergy, things can go from irritating to dangerous, fast. If they have trouble breathing, issues swallowing, wheezing, or facial swelling, seek medical attention immediately. Severe allergic reactions can even lead to anaphylactic shock.

· Stay calm. Frantic movement can cause the insect to sting again.

· Move away from the insect that stung you. Many stinging insects have the ability to swarm.

· Get the stinger out as soon as you can. When bees sting, they leave their stinger and venom pouch on the wound. The venom pouch will continue to pump venom for over a minute. Scratch it off; don’t pinch. Pinching can cause the rest of the venom to deploy.

· After the initial scratch, stop scratching. Scratching a bite can cause infection.

· Elevating a limb and applying an ice pack for at least 15-20 minutes each hour will reduce swelling.

Tick Bites

There are a whole ton of diseases that can be spread by tick bite but, by far, the worst is Lyme disease. Contrary to what you may have heard, Lyme disease can be found in Georgia and should never be ruled out when dealing with a tick bite. Here are the three things you need to know most about ticks.

· Lyme disease does not always leave a recognizable bullseye rash on the skin. This can throw some doctors off.

· Lyme disease takes 24 to 48 hours to transfer from the tick.

· If you or one of your children get bitten by a tick, it is important to catch the tick and bring it in with you to the doctor. Lyme disease can cause extended medical complications. Knowing if Lyme disease is a factor will lead to quicker treatment.

Mosquito Bites

With increased travel and more deadly viruses getting into the United States from other countries, it is becoming more important to protect ourselves. But, if you get bitten, here are some things to remember.

· Avoid scratching the bites. This will only make the itching worse.

· You can alleviate the itching of a mosquito bite by using 1% hydrocortisone cream or calamine lotion. Always follow the manufacturer’s directions for dosage and usage for all first aid products.

· An ice pack can help to relieve itching.

· If you develop flu-like symptoms after being bitten by mosquitoes, consider consulting a doctor. It is always better to be safe than sorry.

For protection from stinging insects, ticks, and mosquitoes on your property in Rome, Georgia, give us a call at Active Pest Control. Fewer biting insects in your backyard mean fewer bites. And that is always the best way to go.

Is Lyme Disease Really A Big Deal?

You’ve probably heard many times that you need to watch out for ticks because you’ll get Lyme disease. Is this really true? If so, how bad is it to get Lyme disease? Are my limbs going to fall off? Let’s take a look at the hysteria and controversy surrounding Lyme disease, and examine some practical ways you can protect yourself and your family.

The truth about Lyme disease.

First of all, not everyone who gets bitten by a tick develops Lyme disease. Though many ticks carry the harmful bacteria (Borrelia burgdorferi) that causes Lyme disease, they are not guaranteed to have it. So, if you find a tick on you, don’t panic.

Another misconception is that everyone who gets Lyme disease gets the chronic kind that can last for years–and even a lifetime. The truth is, each of us reacts to this bacteria in a different way. For some, there is no visible reaction. Others may experience a round bullseye rash, fatigue, chills, fever, headache, muscle and joint pain, and swollen lymph nodes. But after three weeks of antibiotics, all symptoms go away.

There is, however, a percentage of people who experience stronger symptoms that can last for years, and even a lifetime. This is usually in people who do not receive antibiotic treatments. In fact, 60% of people not treated develop recurring attacks of arthritis. And, on average 15% of people not treated develop chronic arthritis. Lyme disease can also lead to neurological problems which manifest as numbness in the hands and feet, shooting pains, and short-term memory loss.

Who is at risk of Lyme disease?

  • People who spend a lot of time in high grass risk greater exposure to ticks.
  • People who hike in wooded areas.
  • Children and young adults are more likely to get Lyme disease.

Prevention

  • If you find a tick on you, use a tick removal kit, tweezers or pliers to get the entire tick out. It takes 24-48 hours for a Lyme disease producing amount of Borrelia burgdorferi to enter the body. Catching ticks early can prevent this disease.
  • Keeping the grass cut in your yard will reduce tick populations.
  • Regular tick treatments from a pest professional can fully eliminate ticks.
  • Wear insect repellent when traveling in the woods or tall grass. Put your pants inside your socks. Wear light clothing so ticks can be easily seen. And, wear a hat.

So, is Lyme disease a big deal? It can be, for some. But of all the tips mentioned here, it is important to note that you’re going to be mostly safe if you simply check for ticks and remove them early. There is no need for hysteria–well, not yet anyway. But it is a good idea to stay vigilant. It is also a good idea to protect what you can protect. Keep your yard safe and be cautious when visiting friends and family. If you do this, you should be fine.

Contact us for more information on ticks in Georgia and Active Pest Control‘ pest control services for ticks.