Itchy skin, Lyme disease, encephalitis, arbovirus and even death are all possible reactions associated with the insects of summer.

ISU experts said the most common insects that deliver problems to Iowa residents are bees, wasps, mosquitoes and ticks.

“Prevention is the best thing,” said Rebecca Fritzsche, staff physician at the Student Health Center.

Mosquitoes are very prominent during the muggy summer months, Fritzsche said.

The biggest problems that might occur from a mosquito bite are different types of infections.

She said a possible infection could come from scratching the area too much.

Wayne Rowley, professor of entomology, said an infection that is possible from a mosquito bite is encephalitis .

“You tend to find the mosquitoes capable of transmitting encephalitis in wooded and forest areas,” he said.

Rowley said the chances of getting encephalitis are minimal, with the statewide cases in Iowa ranging from six to 20 per year.

There have been epidemics of this infection, but the last one was in 1975. He said the reason that there hasn’t been one since then is the effectiveness of mosquito-control activities.

Fritzsche said the arbovirus is also a risk with mosquitoes, although it is uncommon.

Arbovirus is contracted from mosquitoes that have fed off infected birds and small animals, she said.

She said arbovirus infects the brain, causing it to swell. The symptoms include drowsiness, fever and headache. The severe complications can result in mental confusion and seizures.

“One percent of patients who contract this will experience brain damage or die,” Fritzsche said.

Ticks are not usually a major problem unless they have been on the skin for more than 24 hours, she said.

Rowley said Iowa residents are not at a high risk for Lyme disease contracted from the deer tick. There were only 30 cases last year, he said.

Fritzsche said the major problem with bee and wasp stings is a possible allergic reaction.

Usually ice can just be applied, she said, but if a person does have an allergic reaction, prescription medication may be obtained.

Although bee stings are not usually fatal, it is important to practice prevention, Fritzsche said.

Prevention of bee stings includes not wearing brightly-colored clothing or perfumes.

Also, she said, people should be careful about bringing Coca-Cola cans to picnics; the bright red cans attract bees.

To prevent some insect-related infections, students should take a shower right away after being in wooded areas and change into clean clothes, Fritzsche said.

Students who are traveling abroad this summer, need to check with a doctor about proper immunizations before leaving the states.

“Nobody should go abroad without talking to a travel physician,” said Rowley.

Rowley warns that students going to certain areas of the world, such as Africa, need to get immunizations to avoid contracting malaria.

Both Fritzsche and Rowley agree the best protection from insects is prevention.

Rowley suggests long pants and sleeves as much as possible, although this is more difficult during the hot summer months.

Rowley and Fritzsche both recommend using DEET, an active chemical ingredient in most insect repellents.

Rowley said there are different concentrations of DEET; the most effective levels range from 14 to 35 percent.

The use of any higher concentration is not recommended, especially for children and the elderly, he said.

When applied to the skin, it will remain effective for four to six hours.

But Rowley adds that some people are more susceptible than others.

“Different age groups are susceptible to different viruses,” he said.