The Arkansas Department of Health urges hikers, campers, fishermen and all outdoorsman to protect themselves from diseases carried by ticks and mosquitos. Tick and mosquito bites can be prevented in similar ways:
- Use an EPA-approved insect repellant as directed.
- Use permethrin on your clothing as directed.
- Wear long sleeves and pants. Light-colored clothing makes it easier to spot ticks. Tuck your pants into socks or boots.
- Check for ticks on yourself, your children, and your pets regularly. Remove ticks quickly if one is found.
- To avoid ticks, walk in the middle of a hiking trail or path; avoid tall grass and leaf litter.
- To reduce mosquitoes around your home (or campsite), get rid of any standing water on the property. Mosquitoes can breed in as little as a bottle cap full of water.
- It is important to remove attached ticks correctly. Remove a tick by positioning tweezers as close to your skin as possible and lifting up on the tick firmly.
