'Summer of Bugs' hits the US

2025-07-06 08:52:00, Kosova & Bota CNA

Insects are invading the U.S. According to TODAY, Americans may be experiencing a "tsunami" due to climate change.

Experts are calling this season the "summer of insects," as millions of cicadas, lantern flies, and ticks are reappearing across the country.

Researchers at Fordham University in New York say this summer's "tick risk factor" is 10 out of 10 and suggest people go to the movies instead of going for walks.

Black-legged ticks, also known as deer ticks, have caused a massive increase in the incidence of Lyme disease, the incidence rate has increased fivefold over the past 30 years.

The noisy cicadas have now spread to 12 states, and spotted lanternflies have also wreaked havoc across the Northeast. Residents have been encouraged to kill the problem insects. Spotted lanternflies can cause billions of dollars in losses to plants and trees. Since lanternflies love to eat grapes, they are a major headache for the multibillion-dollar American wine industry, TODAY reports.

Insect-borne diseases, such as West Nile virus, Lyme disease, and Zika virus, can cause unwanted illnesses. According to the Environmental Working Group (EWG), eastern equine encephalitis, which is spread by infected mosquitoes, is rare but can be extremely serious. The disease can cause a brain infection and has a mortality rate of 30%. Survivors often suffer from persistent neurological problems.

To protect yourself from summer bugs, follow the advice provided by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the EPA. These include:

• Empty flower pots and birdbaths to remove standing water, trim tree branches, and treat your yard for pests.

• Wear long pants and socks when walking through tall grass or bushes that may be infested with insects.

• Check carefully for ticks before entering and remove and dispose of them properly. The most effective method is to place the tick in a matchbox or paper bag and burn it. You can also drown it in alcohol. Do not flush ticks down the sink or toilet, as they can survive underwater for up to a month.

• Use mosquito nets, fans, or both in outdoor dining areas and cover baby strollers with nets.

Use products with the lowest concentration of chemical repellents, especially for children.

• Avoid using repellents in aerosol cans, as you can easily spray the chemical into your eyes. Instead, use lotions, pumps, and wipes. Wash your hands after applying the product.

• Never use insect repellent that contains a protective repellent. If you reapply insect repellent every two hours, you will be exposed to too many chemicals. Always apply insect repellent after sunscreen.

• Wash clothes with repellent when you return indoors.

• If you get bitten by a mosquito, avoid scratching. Apply an over-the-counter anti-itch product or antihistamine to relieve itching./ CNA