Don’t Let the Bugs Bite: Your Family’s Guide to Ticks, Lyme, and Summer Pest Protection

As soon as the weather warms up, we’re all ready to get outside and soak in that sunshine. But unfortunately, so are the bugs—and some of them carry serious health risks. From Lyme-carrying ticks to pesky mosquitoes, summer pests aren’t just annoying—they can be dangerous if you’re not prepared. So let’s talk prevention, protection, and what to do if a bite happens.

Ticks in the Midwest: Tiny But Dangerous

Ticks are more than just a nuisance. In Illinois and throughout the Midwest, blacklegged ticks (aka deer ticks) are known carriers of Lyme disease, one of the most common vector-borne illnesses in the U.S.

And here’s the kicker: nymph ticks are as tiny as a poppy seed and can be just as dangerous as adult ticks. That means your child could have been bitten and you wouldn’t even know it.

Other tick-borne diseases on the rise in the region include:

• Babesiosis: a parasite that infects red blood cells, often carried by the same ticks as Lyme
• Anaplasmosis: can cause fever, chills, muscle aches, and more
• Ehrlichiosis: often mimics flu symptoms but can become severe without treatment
• Powassan Virus: rare but serious; can cause neurological symptoms and long-term complications

What Parents Need to Know About Lyme

Lyme disease is tricky. Contrary to popular belief, not everyone develops the classic “bullseye rash”. In fact, many early symptoms—like fatigue, joint pain, headaches, and low-grade fevers—can be mistaken for everyday viral infections or even growing pains in kids.

Early detection and treatment are critical to prevent long-term effects, which can include chronic joint inflammation, nervous system issues, and more. If you suspect a tick bite or your child begins to show unusual symptoms weeks after outdoor exposure, functional testing and evaluation is key.

Tick Prevention 101

Ticks can be anywhere: backyards, parks, playgrounds, sports fields, hiking trails, and even your own garden.

Your daily prevention checklist:

• Do full-body tick checks after outdoor time (especially scalp, ears, armpits, groin, behind knees, and between toes)
• Change clothes immediately after coming indoors and shower as soon as possible
• Wash clothes on hot and tumble dry to kill any hitchhiking ticks
• Use a proper tick removal tool or fine-tipped tweezers to pull ticks straight out—no oils, matches, or twisting
• Save the tick! Place it in a sealed bag and send it for testing (we recommend Ticknology.org)

Bug Spray Breakdown: What Actually Works?

Many parents are understandably cautious about applying traditional bug sprays to their children’s skin. While DEET has been shown to be effective (and may be necessary in high-risk Lyme areas), it’s not the only option.

For everyday use, especially in lower-risk zones or for quick trips outside, natural repellents can be a great alternative.

Our top picks:

• Wondercide: A safe, kid- and pet-friendly spray made with essential oils
• Herbal Armor Bug Spray: Another clean, non-toxic option that repels ticks and mosquitoes
• DIY Essential Oil Blend: Mix geranium, cedarwood, citronella, and lemongrass oils with witch hazel or apple cider vinegar and water in a spray bottle
  
  Check our more Well-Rooted-approved insect repellent swaps and tick-removal tools on our Amazon Storefront

Tip: Always patch test natural sprays before full use and avoid citrus oils before sun exposure, as they can be phototoxic.

What About Mosquitoes and Other Summer Pests?

Ticks aren’t the only culprits out to ruin your summer vibes. Mosquitoes, gnats, and biting flies can carry their own risks—and cause a whole lot of itching, too.

Additional tips to protect your family:

• Wear light-colored, loose-fitting clothing that covers arms and legs
• Avoid peak mosquito hours (dawn and dusk)
• Keep food and drinks covered when outdoors
• Eliminate standing water around your home to reduce mosquito breeding grounds
• Plant insect-repelling herbs like lavender, rosemary, mint, and citronella near doorways and patios

When to Call Us

If your child develops symptoms after a suspected tick bite—even weeks later—don’t wait and wonder. At Well-Rooted Pediatrics, we’re trained in tickborne illness detection and treatment, and we take your concerns seriously. We offer comprehensive functional testing and holistic support to help your child recover and thrive.

Need a provider who understands that symptoms are signals? We’re here.

📞 Call us at 815-322-9300 to schedule a visit.

Stay safe, stay outside, and stay bug-free this season. Your kids deserve a healthy, happy summer!