PREVENTING LYME DISEASE AND OTHER INSECT BITES

TICK BITE PREVENTION

Before traveling, it’s advisable to consult your local pharmacy to determine whether your destination is an area where tick-transmitted diseases are prevalent.

To prevent tick bites, the following measures are recommended:

• Stick to marked trails and avoid grassy areas as much as possible.
• After engaging in outdoor activities, change your clothes and wash them to remove any ticks that may have attached themselves.
• Opt for light-colored clothing to make it easier to spot ticks.
• Before putting on fresh clothes, thoroughly inspect your entire body to ensure no ticks are present and be vigilant for any signs of tick bites or skin lesions.
• If you’re traveling with pets, regularly check their fur to make sure they aren’t carrying ticks.

Similar protective measures against mosquito bites, such as wearing long sleeves and pants, closed-toe shoes, and using insect repellent containing DEET, are also effective against ticks.

GENERAL PROTECTIVE MEASURES AGAINST INSECT AND TICK BITES

Sprays and Personal Hygiene

Mosquitoes are drawn to certain scents, so maintaining good personal hygiene can help keep them at bay:

• Use unscented products, such as soap and sunscreen.
• Apply insect repellent containing DEET or Icaridin.

Clothing Choices

Your clothing can play a significant role in preventing mosquito bites:

• Opt for long, loose-fitting, tightly-woven garments that cover your arms and legs. Light-colored clothing is preferable.
• Wear closed shoes and a hat.
• Secure the cuffs of your pants by either taping them or tucking them into your socks, shoes, or boots.
• If necessary, consider wearing mosquito net clothing, which includes hats, jackets, pants, and overalls.
• For enhanced protection, treat your clothes, shoes, and gear with permethrin insecticide, especially when traveling to high-risk areas for insect-borne diseases. Permethrin treatments remain effective for up to two weeks, even after several washes. While permethrin is not available in Canada, your pharmacy can offer guidance on how to acquire it and pre-treated gear.

Use of Screens and Enclosed Spaces

Choosing your accommodations wisely can further protect you from mosquito bites:

• Stay in areas with intact screens on windows and mosquito nets in good repair, or opt for enclosed, air-conditioned spaces, particularly during dawn and dusk, when mosquitoes are most active.
• Duct Tape™ or similar tape can be employed for on-the-spot repairs to damaged screens or nets, ensuring unwanted insects stay out.
• If using a mosquito net around your bed while sleeping, make sure it is tightly secured with no openings for insects to enter. Tuck the net under the mattress and avoid skin contact with the mesh, as mosquitoes can bite through it. Nets treated with insecticides are a wise choice for destinations at higher risk.

Outdoor Activity Planning

Consider these precautions when planning outdoor activities:

• Minimize outdoor exposure during the hours between sunset and sunrise when mosquitoes are most active.
• Avoid areas near streams or standing water, as these are breeding grounds for mosquitoes.

Your pharmacist can provide valuable insights into whether your destination is susceptible to ticks and mosquitoes and recommend suitable products to safeguard your health. Additionally, they can assist in reviewing your medications and assembling a comprehensive first-aid kit for your travels.