How to Prevent Tick Bites When You're Outdoors

kphelps • August 10, 2022

There’s nothing quite like spending time outside in nature. It can do some truly wonderful things for you mentally, emotionally, and physically. The tricky thing about being outside is that you’re sharing space with animals that see you as little more than a meal, animals like ticks. No one wants to get tick bites. So what can you do to prevent them when you’re outside?


Keep Them Out of Your Yard


What are the chances of ticks lurking in your yard? If you don’t take steps to keep them out, the chances might be higher than you’re comfortable with. Keep ticks out of your yard by keeping the grass well mowed. Adding a strip of wood chips or bark that is several feet wide and separates your lawn from any brush around the edge of your yard can create a tick barrier. Since ticks pick up Lyme disease from mice, eliminate any mice habitats on your property. It won’t hurt to keep deer out of your yard with a deer fence either.


Be Smart about How You Dress


How you dress when you’re outside can influence your level of risk of getting bitten by ticks. Wear clothing with long sleeves and long pants. Tuck your pant legs into your socks and shoes. It might look a little funny, but it does a better job of keeping ticks away from your skin. Clothing that has been treated with permethrin can be a good choice.


Use a Good Insect Repellent


 You’ve probably heard people recommend using insect repellents with DEET for mosquitoes. DEET repellents work well for repelling ticks too. It’s generally considered safe to apply to the skin of adults and children above the age of 3. It should be applied every 2-3 hours in warm weather to be effective. Spray it directly onto exposed skin and allow it to dry.


It’s far better to reduce your risk of dealing with a tick bite than to have to treat one. Still, make sure you know how to treat one as well. It’s not something you’ll want to research when you have one of the nasty little things already on you. Aside from that, treating a tick bite as quickly as possible reduces your risk of transmitting a tick-borne illness. In this case, proper preparation and prevention is by far better the better option.


Ticks are just one of the pests you can count on Proterra Pest Control to deal with for you. Click here to see our library of pests that we help Washington homeowners with today.


Happy children in school uniforms run through the hallway of a school
June 3, 2025
Maintaining a safe and healthy environment in schools is a top priority for educators, parents, and administrators in the Tri-Cities area of Kennewick, Pasco, and Richland. One crucial aspect of creating this environment is ensuring that school facilities remain pest-free throughout the year. Pests not only pose health risks to students and staff but can also damage property and disrupt the learning process. At Proterra Pest Control, we understand the unique challenges schools face in managing pests and are committed to helping you keep your educational spaces safe, clean, and welcoming. Why a Pest-Free School Environment Matters Schools are bustling environments where hundreds or even thousands of people gather daily. This high level of activity, combined with areas where food is served and consumed, creates ideal conditions for various pests to thrive. The consequences of a pest infestation in a school setting can be severe. Pests such as cockroaches and rodents can trigger allergies and asthma attacks , particularly in children. The presence of these pests can also lead to the spread of harmful bacteria and viruses, increasing absenteeism and affecting academic performance. Keeping schools pest-free is not just about comfort—it's about safeguarding the health and well-being of everyone on campus. Common Pests in Tri-Cities Schools The Tri-Cities region’s unique climate and geography make it susceptible to a range of pests that find school environments particularly attractive. Some of the most common pests in local educational facilities include: Ants: Especially during spring and summer, ants can infiltrate cafeterias, kitchens, and classrooms in search of food and water. While most ants are not directly hazardous, they can contaminate food supplies. Cockroaches: These resilient pests thrive in warm, moist environments and are frequently found in kitchens, locker rooms, and utility areas. Cockroaches are known carriers of pathogens that can cause food poisoning, dysentery, and allergic reactions. Rodents: Mice and rats are notorious for seeking shelter in schools, particularly during colder months. Rodents can chew through wires, walls, and insulation, posing fire hazards and causing significant property damage. They also carry diseases such as salmonella and hantavirus. Spiders: While most spiders found in schools are harmless, their presence can cause anxiety among students and staff. Certain species, such as the hobo spider, are more common in the Pacific Northwest and can inflict painful bites. Stinging Insects: Bees, wasps, and hornets often build nests near playgrounds and outdoor eating areas. Their stings can trigger allergic reactions, making them a significant concern, especially for children with known allergies. Health Risks Associated with School Pests The health risks posed by common school pests go beyond simple nuisance. Cockroaches, for example, are a leading cause of asthma symptoms in children, with studies demonstrating a direct correlation between cockroach allergens and increased asthma morbidity. Rodents, too, are a major health concern. Rodent infestations contribute to the spread of diseases and can exacerbate respiratory problems in sensitive individuals. Even smaller pests, like ants and flies, can contaminate food and surfaces, leading to outbreaks of foodborne illnesses. Given these risks, it’s clear that a proactive approach to pest management is essential for the health and safety of all school occupants. Integrated Pest Management: A Sustainable Approach for Schools In educational settings, pest control must balance effectiveness with safety. Children are more vulnerable to toxins, and schools must prioritize environmentally conscious solutions. This is where Integrated Pest Management (IPM) offers a comprehensive, sustainable strategy. IPM is a science-based, decision-making process that combines preventive measures, monitoring, and targeted action to manage pests with minimal impact on people and the environment. IPM programs have proven effective in reducing pest complaints and pesticide use in schools nationwide. Key elements of an effective school IPM program include: Regular Inspections: Frequent monitoring helps identify pest activity early before populations can establish. Sanitation Practices: Maintaining clean eating areas, promptly disposing of garbage, and reducing clutter removes food sources and hiding places for pests. Exclusion Techniques: Sealing cracks, repairing screens, and ensuring doors and windows close tightly prevent pests from entering the building. Education and Collaboration: Training staff and students on best practices for pest prevention creates a community-wide effort toward maintaining a pest-free school. By focusing on prevention and using targeted, low-impact treatments only when necessary, IPM minimizes exposure to chemicals and protects the school environment. The Role of Professional Pest Control Services While staff and students play an important role in maintaining a clean and pest-resistant environment, some infestations require expert intervention. Professional pest control providers, like Proterra Pest Control, are trained in the latest IPM techniques and equipped with safe, effective solutions tailored to educational facilities. Choosing a professional service offers several benefits: Customized Treatment Plans: Every school is unique, and a one-size-fits-all approach rarely works. Our team assesses each facility’s needs and designs a plan that addresses current infestations and prevents future problems. Ongoing Monitoring and Support: Regular visits ensure that pest populations are kept under control year-round. We also provide educational resources to help your staff stay vigilant. Compliance with Regulations: Schools are subject to strict health and safety regulations. Proterra Pest Control is familiar with state and local guidelines and ensures all treatments are compliant. Eco-Friendly Solutions: We prioritize the use of sustainable, non-toxic methods that are safe for children, staff, and the environment. If you’re interested in learning more about our approach to school pest management, visit our services page for detailed information.  Building a Pest-Free Future for Tri-Cities Schools A pest-free school is the foundation for a healthy, productive learning environment. By understanding the risks pests pose and adopting integrated pest management practices, schools in Kennewick, Pasco, and Richland can safeguard the health of their students and staff while maintaining compliance with safety regulations. At Proterra Pest Control, we’re your local partner in creating safer, cleaner educational spaces. Whether you’re dealing with an existing infestation or want to prevent future problems, our experienced team is ready to help. Contact us today to schedule a consultation and take the first step toward a pest-free campus. For more tips on keeping your facility pest-free, explore our blog or reach out to our experts with any questions about pest management in the Tri-Cities area. Your students and staff deserve the best—let’s work together to keep your schools safe, healthy, and welcoming all year long.
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