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A guide to creepy crawlers, itchy rashes, unwanted guests
Summer in Northeast Washington is a perfect time to explore the outdoors – from lakes and trails to campgrounds and backyards. But along with the sunshine and fresh air come some less-welcome visitors: mosquitoes, ticks, flies, swimmer’s itch, poison ivy, and even bats. The good news? A little know-how goes a long way when it comes to preventing bites, stings, rashes, and other nature-related nuisances.
The Northeast Tri County Health District has some tips for enjoying summer safely, without letting bugs and brush ruin the fun.
Ticks: Tiny Hitchhikers with a Big Impact
Ticks are typically active during warmer months, particularly in spring, and are often found in shaded, grassy, or wooded environments, including areas with tall grass or leaf litter. They do not jump or fly; instead, they remain on vegetation and attach to people or animals who come into contact with them. Some ticks in Washington can carry diseases, though tick-borne illnesses are uncommon in this region. There have been only a few confirmed cases of tick-borne relapsing fever, Rocky Mountain spotted fever, and tularemia. Ticks associated with Lyme disease are not usually present.
Tips to avoid tick bites:
• Wear long sleeves and pants in wooded or grassy areas.
• Use EPA-registered repellents with DEET.
• After spending time outdoors, do a full body check - and don’t forget your pets!
• Shower as soon as you come inside.
If you do find a tick attached, remove it promptly with fine-tipped tweezers, pulling straight out without twisting. Clean the area with soap and water. Most tick bites are harmless, but watch for signs of illness such as rash, fever, or fatigue in the weeks afterward, and contact your healthcare provider if symptoms develop.
Take a photo of the tick in case a provider needs to identify it later. More info: doh.wa.gov/ticks
Mosquitoes: Buzz Off, Bloodsuckers
Beyond being a buzzing annoyance, mosquitoes can carry diseases such as West Nile virus. In our area, we experience more detection of West Nile Virus later in the summer. While the risk in Washington is lower than in some states, it’s still important to take precautions – especially during dawn and dusk, when mosquitoes are most active.
How to avoid mosquito bites:
• Use insect repellent (look for DEET or other EPA-registered ingredients).
• Dump standing water around your home – even small puddles or containers can be breeding grounds.
• Wear long sleeves and pants when mosquitoes are active.
• Use screens or netting when camping or indoors.
Swimmer’s Itch: The Itch That Follows a Splash
Swimmer’s itch is an allergic reaction to tiny parasites that live in some lakes and shallow, stagnant waters. It’s not contagious and usually goes away on its own, but it’s uncomfortable – and very itchy.
To reduce your risk:
• Avoid shallow or weedy areas, especially where birds gather.
• Look for posted signs or warnings at popular swim spots.
• Towel off or shower right after getting out of the lake.
• Choose spots with better water circulation – or enjoy a spray park or local pool in Colville, Kettle Falls or Newport.
Symptoms may include burning skin, red bumps or blisters. Home remedies like Epsom salt baths, baking soda paste, or anti-itch creams can help.
Avoid scratching to prevent infection. If symptoms are severe, contact your healthcare provider.
Flies: Just Plain Annoying
Unlike ticks or mosquitoes, flies in our region are more of a nuisance than a health hazard. Still, no one wants them at their picnic.
To keep flies away:
• Keep food covered.
• Clean up trash quickly.
• Consider using fly traps or fans when eating outside.
Poison Ivy: Leaves of Three, Let It Be
While not a bug, poison ivy (and poison oak or sumac) can cause itchy, blistering rashes from a plant oil called urushiol. It’s not common in all parts of Northeast Washington, but if you’re hiking out of state or at lower elevations, it’s good to be aware.
Prevent the rash:
• Learn to identify the plants - “leaves of three, let it be” is a good rule of thumb.
• Wear long clothing when hiking in unfamiliar areas.
• If you touch the plant, wash skin and clothes immediately with soap and water.
Bats: Helpful – But Handle with Care
Bats help control insects like mosquitoes, but some can carry rabies. Although only about 1% of wild bats have rabies, 3-10% of those tested – often because they’re sick or encountered humans – are infected. Experts advise caution if you find a bat indoors or behaving oddly and recommend keeping pets’ rabies vaccinations current.
What to do:
• Don’t touch a bat with bare hands.
• If a bat is discovered in a home or cabin – particularly in sleeping areas where potential contact may have occurred – contact the health district immediately to evaluate the risk of rabies exposure.
In cases of confirmed bat exposure, seek prompt medical attention. If the bat remains available, the health district can arrange for rabies testing.
• Bats flying outside at night are normal – and usually beneficial (they can eat up to 1000 mosquitoes and other insects in just one hour)!
Enjoy the Outdoors – Without the Itch or Ouch
Most summer pests are more of a discomfort than a danger.
But staying alert and prepared can make your adventures a lot more enjoyable. Whether you’re hiking, swimming, or just relaxing outside, take a few precautions so critters don’t ruin your good time.
“We all love the outdoors – that’s why we live here,” said Jon Ness, Environmental Health Director at the Northeast Tri County Health District. “Taking just a few steps like wearing repellent, doing tick checks, and watching for posted warnings can make your outdoor time a lot safer.”
For more summer safety tips and local health updates, visit www.netchd.org or follow NETCHD on Facebook.
