Natural Repellants provide an effective way to help prevent tick and mosquito bites while being safer for people, pets, aquatic life, wildlife, plants and the planet. Combinations of essential oils such as cedar, lemon grass, eucalyptus, citronella and lavender can be applied to the skin or clothing.

Other natural options for prevention include wearing long-sleeved shirts and long pants, avoiding areas with high grass or dense shrubs, and checking screens on windows and doors for tears that allow insects indoors. In the yard, minimize standing water and piles of wood or bark close to the home and in shaded areas. Check pets for unexpected stowaways, especially in bedrooms and carpeted areas. It is also important to regularly check for ticks after spending time outdoors, and to remove them immediately if found.

Ticks in Wisconsin can carry Lyme disease, anaplasmosis and Powassan virus, while mosquitoes can carry West Nile virus and Eastern equine encephalitis. These diseases can be dangerous, causing serious or life-threatening health problems, making prevention an absolute necessity. If illness occurs after a bite, be sure to seek medical attention.

Using natural repellents and prevention methods are a safe and effective way to take necessary precautions against tick and mosquito-borne diseases while enjoying the beautiful outdoors.