August 18, 2025

Protect Yourself from Ticks and Mosquitos this Summer and Fall in Iowa

AN IMPORTANT UPDATE FROM EVERYSTEP'S OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH RN

Iowa’s recent increase in rainfall has brought an uptick in mosquitoes. This is due to their ability to breed in an area the size of a capful of water. Mosquitoes are a nuisance; but they are, also, the deadliest animal on Earth having killed more people than any other cause of human death. (Mosquitoes have exoskeletons and are both animals and insects.)

Deer ticks can, also, be found in all counties of Iowa and carry Lyme Disease. Lethal viruses that are transmitted by mosquitoes include yellow fever, malaria, Zika, and West Nile. They transmit worms and parasites, as well.

Iowa HHS reported its first case of West Nile virus for 2025, this month. Iowa health officials are advising preventing mosquito bites as we are experiencing the highest level of West Nile viral activity, in mosquitoes, in the past two decades. According to the CDC, 70-80% of people, with West Nile, do not have symptoms. When people do experience symptoms, they have sudden fevers, body aches, headaches, fatigue, weakness, and a rash. 1% of people can get neurological illnesses such as encephalopathy, and meningitis.

How to Fight the Bite:

  • Prevent breeding by eliminating areas of standing water in the yard. Most mosquito bites happen in our backyards. 
  • Protect yourself from mosquitoes and ticks by using EPA recommended insect repellents.  
  • Wear long, loose-fitting clothing. This will protect you from mosquito and tick bites. You can purchase permethrin treated clothing and gear.
  • Avoid areas that are bushy or wooded, and areas with high grass and leaf litter.  Walk in the center of trails.
  • After being outdoors, take a shower and check for ticks. Put your dry clothing in the dryer. A high heat dryer tumble will kill ticks, on dry clothing, in 10 minutes.
  • If you find a tick on your body, immediately use the Tick Bite Bot to help you remove it.

The Buzz About Mosquitoes and Ticks:

CDC: How to Prevent Mosquito and Tick Bites

CDC: Clinical Signs and Symptoms of West Nile Virus Disease

ThoughtCo: 16 Fascinating Facts About Mosquitoes

CDC: Preventing Tick Bites

New York Post: Forget Sharks, Mosquitoes are Earth's Deadliest Maneaters

Des Moines Register: Mosquitos in Iowa Have the Highest Level of West Nile virus in Decades