Officials remind residents tick and mosquito season is back

With warm temperatures returning to North Carolina, state officials are reminding residents to watch out for ticks and mosquitos. 

Governor Roy Cooper has proclaimed April as Tick and Mosquito Awareness Month. Preliminary data shows that in 2021 there were more than 1,000 cases of tick and mosquito-borne diseases such as Rocky Mountain spotted fever, Lyme disease, and West Nile virus.

Officials with the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services say that these diseases are preventable by taking protective measures.

According to a news release, residents can reduce exposure to ticks by avoiding habitats such as wooded, grassy, or brushy areas, and using tick repellant that contains DEET or an equivalent on exposed skin. 

Mosquito repellant containing DEET is also recommended, along with clothing that has been treated with permethrin.

You can also reduce mosquito breeding by emptying standing water from flowerpots, gutters, birdbaths, and related items at least once a week.