August means more time outside including porch visits, gardening, local hikes, and walks around Crystal Lake. While these activities are a wonderful part of summer, it also means mosquitoes and ticks are at their peak. Older adults are more vulnerable to complications from vector-borne illnesses and from dehydration or mobility issues after a bite, so caregivers should take a few simple steps to reduce risk while keeping outings enjoyable.

Why this matters for seniors
Ticks can transmit Lyme disease and other infections, while mosquitoes can spread West Nile and other viruses. Additionally, any bug bite (especially itchy ones) can easily become infected. Prevention is the easiest and safest stepfamilies can take to keep seniors healthy and independent.

1) Personal protection (what to use and wear)

Use an EPA-registered insect repellent when spending time outdoors. Effective active ingredients include DEET, picaridin, IR3535, oil of lemon eucalyptus (OLE)/PMD — follow the label directions for application and re-application. The EPA has a tool to help choose products and guidance on safe use. (US EPA)
- Best DEET Product: Deep Woods Off - Dry
- Best non-DEET Product: Ranger Ready Picaridin Insect Repellent Spray
Wear lightweight long sleeves and long pants when possible and tuck pants into socks when walking through grassy or brushy areas.
- Here is a great sun and bug shirt on Amazon
Consider permethrin-treated clothing or treating shoes and outdoor gear with permethrin (do not apply permethrin directly to skin). Permethrin-treated clothing adds a strong layer of protection against ticks.
- This company will treat your clothes with Permethrin for long-lasting results

Practical tip: If an older adult has sensitive skin or concerns about a repellent ingredient, check the product label and consult their healthcare provider — EPA-registered repellents are generally safe when used as directed. (US EPA)

2) Time and place: plan outings smartly

Mosquitoes are most active around dawn and dusk. To avoid getting bit, schedule walks and outings for later morning or early evening when possible.
Stay on trails and in the center of paths; avoid tall grass, leaf litter, and brushy edges where ticks wait for hosts.

3) Home & yard steps (reduce breeding and hiding places)

Remove standing water around the yard (flowerpot saucers, bird baths, clogged gutters) to cut mosquito breeding sites. Even small amounts of water matter.
For tick reduction: keep lawn mowed, clear brush and leaf litter near walkways, create a gravel or wood-chip barrier between wooded areas and the lawn, and store firewood up off the ground. Local health departments sometimes post seasonal mosquito or tick alerts McHenry County provides guidance on local mosquito and tick risks.

4) Tick checks & removal — what caregivers should do immediately

Do a full-body tick check after time outdoors (under arms, behind knees, in and around hair, waistline). Have someone check hard-to-see areas.
If you find an attached tick, remove it right away with fine-tipped tweezers: grasp the tick as close to the skin as possible and pull upward with steady, even pressure. Don’t twist, don’t use heat, petroleum jelly, or nail polish, those methods can make things worse. After removal, clean the bite area and your hands. Save the tick in a sealed bag/container if you can (some clinicians or local health departments will test). For detailed tick removal guide visit the CDC webpage.

5) When to contact a healthcare provider

Contact the senior’s provider if: the tick was attached for many hours and you’re unsure of the species, a rash develops (including a “bull’s-eye”), fever, flu-like symptoms, or the person feels unwell in the weeks after a bite. Prompt diagnosis and treatment of tick-borne illnesses is important. For mosquito-related illness (fever, severe headache, stiff neck, confusion), seek urgent care.
- See this brochure from the CDC for more information about Lymes Disease

Quick caregiver checklist

Keep EPA-registered repellent handy and apply as directed.
Dress for protection: long sleeves/pants and closed shoes.
Do a tick check after outdoor time; remove attached ticks with tweezers.
Eliminate standing water around the home weekly.
Mow grass, clear leaf litter, and create a tidy yard perimeter.
Save tick in a sealed bag if found; call provider for guidance if symptoms appear.

Local resources & next steps
For local alerts and guidance (including West Nile monitoring in McHenry County), check McHenry County Health Department resources, they post seasonal updates and practical prevention steps. (McHenry County)

If you’re caring for an older adult in Crystal Lake or elsewhere in McHenry County and want help reducing mosquito and tick risks or planning safe outdoor time, contact Homewatch CareGivers of Crystal Lake at 815-310-1369 or visit our website to learn how we can support your family and schedule a free in-home consultation.