As a physician-investigator in pediatric critical care at Mass General for Children, Michael Flaherty, DO is committed to providing the best care for injured children and conducting research to reduce the chances of those injuries happening in the first place.

In collaboration with Dr. Flaherty, the Mass General Research Institute’s Summer Safety Awareness Campaign is geared toward sharing science-based strategies to reduce the risk of preventable injuries to children this summer.    

Our second series features safety tips relating to mosquito and tick prevention.

While summer is the perfect time to enjoy being outdoors, it is also a time to be vigilant about the presence of ticks and mosquitoes, particularly in the New England area. Mosquito bites can result in unsightly red spots and uncomfortable swelling and itching. They can also potentially spread diseases such as eastern equine encephalitis (EEE) or West Nile virus.

According to the Mass.gov website, Black-legged (deer) ticks and dog ticks are found throughout Massachusetts (and other northeastern states) and can spread diseases when they bite. The most common tick-borne diseases in Massachusetts are Lyme Disease, Babesiosis and Anaplasmosis.

Here are five ways to limit the dangers of a tick and/or mosquito bite.  

It is vital to keep timing in mind when it comes to preventing ticks and mosquito bites. Usually, ticks and mosquitoes are most active from 6:00 a.m. to noon. If you will be outside during this time, be wary of your surroundings and pay close attention to hard-to-reach areas in your body.  

One of the most effective ways to protect against ticks and mosquito bites is to wear long protective gear such as long shirts, pants and socks. Ticks do not fly or jump—they attach to animals or people who come in direct contact with them. Since most ticks are dark in color, wearing white or light-colored clothing can help you spot them.

It’s always a good idea to have an insect repellent handy. Whether you are having a backyard BBQ or hitting the trails for a nice hike – it should be an essential part of your packing checklist. According to the Mass.gov website, products with DEET or permethrin are commonly recommended for protection against ticks. Make sure to read the instructions carefully before using any insect repellent, particularly on young children.

For mosquitos, products containing DEET and permethrin are also considered effective, but precautions should also be taken with their use in very young children. Learn more about the different types of repellent and precautions for use on the Mass.gov website.

After being outside (especially for a prolonged time) make sure you conduct a thorough tick check on yourself and your family. You should pay particular attention to hard-to-see areas such as the armpits, groin, behind the knees, the back of your neck and inside and behind your ears. The Mass.gov website has a downloadable tick check guide.

If you find a tick attached to you, don’t panic! Practice safe removal by using tweezers or a tick removal tool. It is important to ensure that the entire tick (including the head) has been removed.

The Mass.gov website recommends that you note the date that the tick was removed and the location of the bite. You should notify your doctor if a tick is found and you are unaware if it has been present for more than 36 hours, if you develop a rash or experience symptoms such as fever, headache, fatigue or soreness.

Remove Ticks Safely From Your Skin:

Additional Resources:

• Downloadable brochure for preventing mosquito bites (available in English, Spanish and Portuguese)
• Mosquito-borne disease fact sheets
• Tick identification card
• Lyme disease fact sheet