Playing outside is OK. Mosquito-borne illness is a risk, but it’s not common. Think of it like a risk to manage, as there are simple steps you can take like using repellents and dumping standing water.
It’s rare, but mosquito-borne illness does happen in Michigan. So if you’re concerned about your kids, it’s sensible to find a way to reduce bites with a few straightforward steps rather than giving up the yard.
Most mosquito bites in Michigan are itchy and annoying. Illness that comes as a result is rare.
But, it’s still good to know what to look out for, so for your knowledge: the illnesses that matter in Michigan are West Nile virus and, less often, but more serious, Eastern equine encephalitis. Both are uncommon, and most infections cause mild or no symptoms. On the rare occasions that EEE happens, it’s serious, so it’s worth taking prevention seriously.
How bad things are when it comes to West Nile and EEE varies by season. You can always check with your county or state health department to see the latest information on mosquito-borne illness.
You can reduce the number of mosquitoes in your yard through basic maintenance. Mosquitoes need standing water to breed. If you find any on your property in containers like toys and buckets, dump or drain it. If you want to go the extra mile, you can also add personal repellents. The ones that have DEET or picaridin work best.
In the meantime, don’t forget about ticks. In Michigan, ticks are generally more risky than mosquitoes. The same basic principles and treatments that work on mosquitoes work on ticks as well. It’s just good to also do a tick check when kids come inside. If ticks get on them, removing them promptly can greatly reduce the risk of illness.
If you're tired of weighing the yard against the worry, Mosquito Squad of Fenton - Brighton can help. Mosquito Squad can help you reduce the mosquito population in the spaces your family uses, helping protect your kids with up to 90% reduction in mosquito activity on a recurring 21-day cycle.
