The approaching start of summer brings the joys of lazily trailing fingers and toes in lake water or watching sunlight dapple the ground from horseback or catching fireflies after twilight.
Spending time outdoors exploring nature is one of summer’s special joys, especially this year, since the current cool temperatures are invitingly pleasant and many outdoor activities are still possible to do while social distancing. However, individuals should still take the necessary precautions against ticks, mosquitoes and snakes.
“Cool weather may delay development of ticks and mosquito activity to some degree but warm weather will be here soon,” State Public Health Veterinarian LeMac Morris of the Oklahoma State Dept. Of Health said. “With that said, it is still important to follow tick bite prevention tips when out in the woods or pastures.”
Resources from the Oklahoma State Dept. of Health encourage people to avoid walking through high grass and undergrowth, and to minimize exposed skin in order to give ticks and mosquitoes less potential places to bite.
This can be done by wearing closed toed shoes, tucking pants into socks, and wearing long sleeves. However it should be noted that mosquitoes can bite through thin clothing.
Insect repellent can also help prevent tick and mosquito bits and should contain 20 percent or more DEET, according to the fact sheet.
Individuals who spend time out of doors should check themselves daily for ticks, according to a public health fact sheet from the Oklahoma State Dept. of Health. When a tick is found it should be removed carefully with tweezers by grasping as close to the skin as possible and avoiding twisting, squeezing or other actions that could cause harmful bacteria to be released into the skin.
After removing the tick, the individual should watch for symptoms such as fever, rash, or muscle/joint pain, that could indicate the presence of a tick-borne illness, according to the fact sheet.
Reducing standing water such as water gathered in empty gardening pots can help reduce breeding places for mosquitos, according to a public health fact sheet from the Oklahoma State Dept. of Health.
Mosquitos are most active in the mornings and evenings, so individuals should avoid being outside during these times, or take higher precautions.
Precautions should also be taken in regards to snakes.
“Cool weather may temporarily affect reptile activity but snakes are still out and about,” Morris said. “Be cautious and watch for snakes when turning over logs or rocks, when outside or working in flower beds.”
While the risks associated with snakes, ticks and mosquitoes are still present, the impact weather has on COVID-19 risks are still unknown.
“How COVID-19 responds to weather changes is still yet to be seen,” Morris said. “It is true that the common cold and flu spread more during cold weather but we just don’t know yet how weather changes will affect COVID-19.”
Regardless, COVID-19 safety precautions should still be followed.
“Keep up with social distancing, wearing a mask in public, stay at home when sick, washing your hands often and all the other things you can do to protect yourself and love ones from this virus,” Morris said.