← Pest & Insect Control | Bite Treatment & First Aid Quick answer Know your enemy: chiggers are tiny mites, not insects. Prevention is key: wear long sleeves and pants, tuck pants into socks. Use EPA-approved repellents containing DEET or picaridin. Treat clothing and gear with permethrin for extra protection. If bitten, don’t scratch! It…
← Pest & Insect Control | Bite Treatment & First Aid Quick answer Black fly bites are small, red, and itchy. They often have a single, tiny puncture mark at the center. Swelling around the bite is common. Bites can appear in clusters. They can be mistaken for mosquito bites, but are usually firmer. Itching…
← Pest & Insect Control | Bite Treatment & First Aid Quick answer Clean the bite ASAP. Use a cold compress for swelling and itch. Try hydrocortisone cream for inflammation. Calamine lotion or baking soda paste can soothe itching. Antihistamines can help if the reaction is widespread. Watch for signs of infection. Know your local…
← Pest & Insect Control | Bite Treatment & First Aid Quick answer It’s mostly water and inflammatory byproducts. No, it’s not contagious and won’t spread the rash. The fluid helps your body fight the urushiol oil. Poison ivy rash comes from an allergic reaction to urushiol. Don’t pop those blisters – it can lead…
← Pest & Insect Control | Insect Repellents & Prevention Quick answer Picaridin is a synthetic compound, not found in nature. It’s designed to mimic piperine, the active compound in black pepper. It’s a highly effective insect repellent. Works by blocking insects’ scent receptors. Available in various concentrations for different needs. Generally considered safe when…
← Pest & Insect Control | Insect Repellents & Prevention Quick answer Thermacell uses allethrin, a synthetic pyrethroid, as its active ingredient. It works by creating a zone of repellency, not by killing mosquitoes. Allethrin is a synthetic copy of natural pyrethrins found in chrysanthemum flowers. The repellent is released from a heat-activated mat. It’s…
← Pest & Insect Control | Tick & Lyme Disease Prevention Quick answer Use EPA-approved repellents containing DEET, picaridin, or permethrin on clothing. Wear light-colored clothing to spot ticks easily. Tuck pants into socks and shirts into pants. Perform thorough tick checks after spending time outdoors. Shower soon after coming indoors to wash off unattached…
← Pest & Insect Control | Bite Treatment & First Aid Quick answer Identify the bug if possible. Different bugs need different treatments. Clean the bite area gently with soap and water. Apply a cold compress to reduce swelling and itching. Use an over-the-counter hydrocortisone cream or calamine lotion. Consider an oral antihistamine for widespread…
← Pest & Insect Control | Bite Treatment & First Aid Quick answer Lavender essential oil is a top choice for bug bites. Peppermint oil offers a cooling sensation. Tea tree oil has antiseptic properties. Chamomile oil is known for its calming effects. Always dilute essential oils before applying to skin. Test on a small…
← Pest & Insect Control | Bite Treatment & First Aid Quick answer Poison ivy and poison oak are both allergenic plants that cause itchy rashes. The severity of the reaction depends on individual sensitivity and exposure. Both plants have the same urushiol oil, the culprit behind the rash. Learn to identify them by their…
