The Heartland Bug: Avoid the Tick-Borne Virus

You may have heard that a deadly virus called The Heartland Bug recently showed up in Tennessee. There are only about 10 reported cases of this fairly unknown disease, but it has already claimed two victims.

Experts believe The Lone Star Tick transmits The Heartland Bug after biting its victim. Symptoms of the virus include fatigue, fever, headaches, muscle aches, loss of appetite, diarrhea and nausea. The best way to avoid this fatal disease is prevention, as there are currently no vaccines.

Preventing Tick Bites

Here are a few simple tips to help you keep from getting bitten by ticks:

1. Wear Protective Clothing.

When venturing out into wooded areas, make sure to wear pants and long sleeves. Also, think about tucking your pants into your socks for added protection. This will help ensure that no ticks latch onto your skin.

2. Use Repellent.

You can also use a bug repellent to keep ticks away. Look for a product containing between 20 to 30% DEET, and spray the solution on any exposed skin and all clothing.

3. Avoid Shrubbery and High Grass.

Because ticks can’t crawl or jump, they will normally crawl onto your skin as you walk through bushes and tall grass. Try your best to not walk in areas like this. If possible, keep to the beaten path.

4. Wash Off When You Come Back In.

After returning from the outdoors, take a shower as soon as possible so ticks creeping on your skin will wash off. Also, toss your laundry in the dryer for an hour to kill any that got on your clothes.

5. Inspect Pets and Gear.

Don’t forget to check your pets and gear for ticks before bringing them inside. If you don’t, they can get onto your dog or cat, as well as anything else you brought outside with you. Then these terrible bugs might attack you in your own home.

Keep Yourself Safe From Outdoor Pests!

Ticks aren’t the only bugs capable of giving you viruses while you are enjoying the outdoors. Mosquitoes are another blood sucking insect that can cause serious complications. Check out this blog detailing five ways to protect yourself from mosquitoes to prevent infection.

U.S. Pest offers a host of pest control services that can help protect you and your family from bugs. Contact us today for a FREE evaluation!