August brings more time outside, everything from porch visits, gardening, neighborhood walks, and short hikes are what makes the summer special. That fresh-air time is great for mood and mobility, but it also brings mosquitoes and ticks into peak season. Older adults face higher risk from vector-borne infections and from secondary problems (falls after itching, infected bites), so a few simple prevention steps help keep outings safe and enjoyable.

Why this matters for seniors in DuPage County

DuPage County actively monitors mosquito and tick activity each summer; in 2025 the county confirmed mosquito pools and its first human West Nile virus case, underscoring that local risk exists during warm months. Taking prevention seriously now reduces the chance of illness and keeps seniors independent longer.

1) Personal protection: what to use and what to wear

Choose an EPA-registered insect repellent for outdoor time. DEET, picaridin, IR3535, and oil of lemon eucalyptus (OLE/PMD) are all effective when used according to the label. The EPA maintains a searchable tool to help pick the right product. (US EPA)
- Best DEET Product: Deep Woods Off - Dry
- Best non-DEET Product: Ranger Ready Picaridin Insect Repellent Spray
Dress for protection: lightweight long sleeves, long pants, and closed shoes. Tucking pant legs into socks helps when walking through tall grass or along brushy edges.
- Here is a great sun and bug shirt on Amazon
Consider permethrin-treated clothing or treating outdoor gear and shoes with permethrin (apply permethrin to fabrics only; don’t put it on skin). Permethrin on clothing adds strong protection against ticks.
- This company will treat your clothes with Permethrin for long-lasting results.

Pro Tip: If you have sensitive skin or complex medication concerns, check repellent labels and consult with your clinician to find appropriate bug repellant that works for you. (US EPA)

2) Time and place: plan outdoor time smartly

Mosquitoes are most active around dawn and dusk; when possible, schedule walks for mid-morning or early evening (and avoid the peak twilight hours).
Stick to maintained paths and avoid tall grasses, leaf litter, and brush where ticks look for hosts. Being mindful of where you walk reduces exposure substantially.

3) Yard & home steps to reduce breeding and hiding places

Eliminate standing water around the property. Empty saucers, check birdbaths, unclog gutters, and turn over containers that collect rain. Even small amounts of still water can produce mosquitoes.
For ticks: keep lawns mowed, remove leaf litter near walkways, clear brush from yard edges, and consider a gravel or wood-chip buffer between woodlands and lawn. DuPage County publishes local guidance and surveillance updates for ticks and mosquitoes, check their page here for seasonal alerts.

4) Tick checks and safe removal

After outdoor time, do a head-to-toe tick check (under arms, behind knees, in and around hair, waistline). Ask a helper to check hard-to-see spots.
If you find an attached tick, remove it promptly with fine-tipped tweezers: grasp as close to the skin as possible and pull upward with steady, even pressure. Don’t twist, burn, or use home remedies, these can increase infection risk. Clean the bite and your hands after removal. Save the tick sealed in a bag if possible; local health departments or clinicians can advise about testing. For detailed tick removal guide visit the CDC webpage.

5) When to contact a healthcare provider

Contact the senior’s healthcare provider if: the tick was attached for many hours and you’re unsure of the species, a rash appears (including a “bull’s-eye”), fever or flu-like symptoms develop, or the person feels unwell in the weeks after a bite. For signs suggestive of serious mosquito-borne illness (high fever, severe headache, neck stiffness, confusion), seek urgent care. Prompt evaluation and treatment reduce complications.
- See this brochure from the CDC for more information about Lymes Disease

Quick caregiver checklist

Keep an EPA-registered repellent on hand and use as directed.
Dress for protection: long sleeves, long pants, and closed shoes.
Do a tick check after outdoor time; remove attached ticks with fine-tipped tweezers.
Empty standing water around the home weekly.
Mow grass, clear leaf litter, and maintain tidy yard edges.
Seal and save any found tick if possible; call the provider if symptoms appear.

Local resources & next steps

DuPage County Health Department maintains seasonal surveillance and testing information for West Nile and tick-borne illnesses — bookmark their pages for updates and local advisories. Their tick resources and surveillance pages include identification guides and reporting tools for residents. (DuPage County Health)

How Homewatch CareGivers of St. Charles can help

If you’re caring for an older adult in St. Charles or elsewhere in Kane or DuPage Counties and you want support reducing mosquito and tick risks, Homewatch CareGivers of St. Charles can help with home-prep tasks (removing standing water, yard checks), safe outdoor accompaniment, medication reminders, and regular check-ins after outdoor time. Call Homewatch CareGivers of St Charles at 630-407-1379 or visit our website to schedule a free consultation and learn how we can support your family.