Ticks are usually harmless.  About 80 percent of  people who get Lyme disease develop a large rash that looks like a bull’s-eye.  It starts as a red spot and gets larger, sometimes the size of a grapefruit.  Classic symptoms are muscle aches and stiff joints.  The biggest disease threat from tick bites is Lyme disease which is caused by bacteria.  The bacteria is transmitted to humans by the black-legged deer tick, which is about the size of a pinhead and of course, live on deer.

Another insect-borne illness, West Nile virus, is transmitted by infected mosquitoes and usually produce only mild symptoms in healthy people.  But the illness can be serious for older persons and those with compromised immune systems.  The symptoms are flu like and include fever, headache, body aches, and skin rashes.  There is no vaccines for Lyme disease or West Nile virus. 

If you spend time in tall grass or woody areas, use insect repellent with DEET to ward off ticks and mosquitoes.  It should not be used on babies and no more than 10% DEET on children.  Check yourself and family for ticks before bedtime.  The longer the tick remains on the body the higher the risk.  If you find a tick, remove it with tweezers, drop it in a plastic bag and throw it away.  Antihistamines can bring itch relief.  Topical anti-itch creams may be applied to the affected area, especially for children.  Kids scratch bites, break the skin, and get a bacterial infection, so attempt to keep them from scratching the bite.

Bee stings usually have mild symptoms.  But severe allergic reactions lead to between 40 and 50 deaths per year.  An allergic reaction can occur even if a person has been stung before with no complications.  Also, because bees puncture the skin with their stingers, there is a risk of tetanus infection.  Adults should have a tetanus booster shot about every 10 years, check with your doctor.  To keep bees away, wear light colored clothing and avoid scented soaps and perfumes.  Do not leave food, drinks, and garbage uncovered.  It is easy to swallow a bee inside a soda can when you pick it up to take a sip.  Scrape the stinger away in a side-to-side motion with a credit card or fingernail.  Do not pull out with tweezers.  Use ice in a cold compress and pain relieving creams or oral medications to help.

Watch for signs of allergic reactions to stings, which typically happen within the first few hours.  If you or your child has ever had an allergic reaction to a sting, experts recommend carrying an epinephrine pen and teach all family members how to use it.  This is a prescription hormone given by injection to support blood pressure, increase heart rate, and relax airways.

If you do suspect someone is having an allergic reaction, call 911 or your nearest EMS service at once and request emergency medical assistance.  Death can occur in a matter of minutes when airways swell and become blocked.