Health Ministry Article – June 2026 (“Summer Bites”)

Summer brings lovely weather BUT also biting bugs!!  Most are just itchy nuisances but a few carry distinct health risks and require attention.

MOSQUITOES are the standard summer itch and are active during warm humid months, especially dusk and dawn.
Bite causes mild irritation that heals in a few days. They can carry diseases (WEST NILE and DENGUE).
Appearance of red puffy bumps shortly after bite (usually ankles / arms / neck / legs).
Avoid scratching and breaking skin (this can cause secondary infection)
Apply cool compresses and anti-itch cream (hydrocortisone)

TICKS are small pests but bigger threats! Lurk in tall grasses, brush, wooded areas and latch on to warm usually
hidden spots (knee, groin, scalp). Their saliva contains a natural numbing agent so painless bite!
Symptoms can appear 3-30 days AFTER the bite, need to be attached to body 36-48 hours to infect.
DO DAILY TICK check after gardening, hikes or adventures in wooded areas.

Early signs: Bullseye rash, and flu like symptoms.
Late signs: Joint pain, fever, headaches, muscle weakness.

BEST TREATMENT is prevention!  Wear LIGHT colored clothes that cover up body parts. (Can SEE the tick)
Shower after coming in from suspected areas. DO BODY check.
REMOVE TICK (do not use petroleum jelly or burn off) Grasp tick with tweezers as close to body and pull straight up. Clean area well with soap and water and alcohol to disinfect.
TREATMENT:  Antibiotics are effective (14 days) and blood tests may be ordered if symptoms persist.

BEES / WASPS especially seen around flower beds, trash, and outside foods
Sharp pain followed by red swollen welts. The honeybee leaves a “white” spot in the center where stinger is.
The stinger should NOT be squeezed but SCRAPE with fingernail or credit card-type material.

FIRE ANTS aggressive and swarming unlike normal ants. They ATTACK if their mound is disturbed, and bite to anchor themselves on your body and repeatedly sting.
Results in pus-filled blisters in 24 hours.
Treatment consists of removing ants, washing with soap and water, applying cool compress and anti-itch cream.

CHIGGERS. INVISIBLE trekkers!! Microscopic mite larvae found in tall weeds and grasses, grassy fields.
Intense itch in affected areas, especially love warm feet and ankles . Wash well with hot soap and water!

SPIDERS . Pennsylvania hosts a variety of spiders most are harmless and actually beneficial for control of house and garden pests.
   House / Cellar spiders (daddy long legs) harmless and prefer dark, undisturbed corners.
   Orb Weavers, harmless and known for their beautiful wheel -shaped garden webs
Jumping Spiders, harmless and rarely bite
Treatments: Keep area of cellars and dark spots clean and clutter free. Wash bites with soap and water.

VENOMOUS Spiders: Require caution.
Black Widow:  Black with distinct red or orange hourglass shape on underside. Venom contains neurotoxin and  requires immediate attention.
Brown Recluse: Rare in Pa. but occasionally spotted. Light brown with violin shape on back. Seek medical attention.

An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure!!!!! Be safe and enjoy the summer!