Living Well on Lake Erie Podcast: Your Ultimate Guide to Tick and Mosquito Prevention for the Whole Family
Summer on Lake Erie is a time for making memories—boating on the water, hiking in our beautiful parks, and enjoying backyard barbecues. However, the warmer weather also brings an increase in tick and mosquito populations, which can pose a health risk to our community.
In our latest episode of “Living Well on Lake Erie,” we provide a comprehensive guide to protecting your entire family from the threats these pests carry. We sat down with two local experts to discuss bite prevention from both a human and a pet perspective, ensuring you have all the information you need to stay safe while enjoying the outdoors.
Keeping Your Pets Safe and Sound
In our first segment we’re joined by Melissa Gundlach, the Executive Director of the Erie County Humane Society. As a seasoned Veterinary Nurse, Melissa provides crucial information for pet owners, including:
- An overview of the dangerous diseases ticks and mosquitoes can transmit to dogs and cats.
- A breakdown of the different types of preventative products available, from topical treatments to oral medications.
- Tips for reducing your pet’s exposure to pests in your yard and on walks.
- What to do if you find a tick on your pet or suspect they’ve been bitten.
Protecting Your Family’s Health
We know that pets are family, and their health is a top priority. In our second segment, we feature an insightful conversation with Taylor Kula, an Epidemiologist at the Erie County Health Department. Taylor discusses the latest data on tick- and mosquito-borne illnesses in our region, such as Lyme disease and West Nile virus. She offers practical, science-backed advice on:
- Choosing and applying effective insect repellents.
- Proper techniques for performing tick checks on yourself and your children.
- Making your yard a less inviting environment for these pests.
- The correct procedure for removing a tick if you find one.
Don’t let the threat of bites keep you indoors this season. Listen to the full episode to empower yourself with the knowledge needed to protect everyone you love, furry or not.
For more information and resources, please visit the websites of the Erie County Health Department’s Pest Control & Rabies (https://eriecohealthohio.com/rabies-pest-control/) and the Erie County Humane Society: (https://humanesocietyoferiecounty.org).
