The dog days of summer elicit thoughts of enjoying the swimming pool, relaxing in the shade and many outdoor activities.

If proper precautions aren’t taken, outdoor fun can be derailed by flying pests like mosquitoes. Washington County Public Health Nurse Lynn Fisher advises the use of insect repellent. “Insect repellent is the biggest thing. The mosquitoes that live in our area in Iowa tend to bite at night, dusk or evening hours.” Fisher also adds you should try to wear long-sleeved outfits, pants, and socks. If you do get a mosquito bite you are advised to wash the area with soap and water.

Concerns from mosquito bites arise from the possibility of illnesses they carry, including West Nile Virus. For most people it presents as a mild illness but in some cases people can get encephalitis and the infection can lead to death. The Iowa Department of Public Health recommends using insect repellents that contain DEET to stay free of mosquitoes and other summer pests.