How to Avoid Summer Pest Risks -- From West Nile to Chikungunya Virus

Those pesky pests.

There you are, enjoying the sunniest of summer days, and along comes a hornet. Or a tick. Or -- gasp -- a snake. "There's a whole host of summer pests that can be anything from a nuisance to something that puts us at risk of a serious infection," says Jorge Parada, medical spokesperson for the National Pest Management Association. Here's how to stay healthy and protect yourself from West Nile, insect stings, Lyme disease and more:

Lyme disease

Upwards of 30,000 cases of Lyme disease are reported each year, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Lyme disease, carried by infected deer ticks, leads to symptoms such as fever, headache, stiff neck, body aches, fatigue and a telltale rash. A tick must be attached to someone's body for 36 to 48 hours to transmit Lyme disease, and symptoms usually develop one or two weeks after a bite. "One of the best defenses against Lyme is to do a once-daily, very thorough tick check," Parada says. "And when you're hiking, wear long sleeves and tuck your pants into high socks."

Rocky Mountain spotted fever

As tickborne illnesses go, this one is particularly lethal. It's defined by a fever, headache, muscle pain, vomiting and sometimes, after a few days, a rash. Five states -- North Carolina, Oklahoma, Arkansas, Tennessee and Missouri -- account for more than 60 percent of Rocky Mountain cases, according to the CDC. "The problem is that if it's not diagnosed and treated, it's got a much higher fatality rate," Parada says. If you live in a state where the disease is common and begin to feel ill after camping or hiking, consider getting checked out by a doctor.

Insect stings

For fairly small creatures, those yellow jackets and honey bees are a big deal -- stinging insects send 500,000 people to the ER each year, Parada says. And to make matters worse, insect repellents are of little help. The good news is that most reactions to insect bites are mild, causing little more than itching or a stinging sensation. Still, you can take steps to fend off the bugs: "People who are too friendly with their aftershave and perfume will attract stinging insects," Parada says. And they often hang out in bushes, so if you plan to spend time on your deck, perhaps rethink the shrubbery placement. "The other thing to keep in mind is: Don't panic," Parada says. "Most of these insects won't do anything unless provoked."

West Nile virus

There were 2,374 cases of West Nile in the U.S. in 2013, including 114 deaths. The virus most commonly spreads when mosquitoes feed on infected birds and then bite humans and horses. Most people infected show no symptoms, while about 20 percent develop a fever, headache, muscle pains, a skin rash and swollen lymph nodes. In addition to staying inside at dawn and dusk, when mosquitoes are most active, take steps to mosquito-proof your home. Install or repair door and window screens, and eliminate standing water -- a common breeding site -- on your property, says Paul Biedrzycki, director of disease control and environmental health for the City of Milwaukee Health Department.

Chikungunya virus

It's a mouthful to pronounce, but experts fear we'll have more reason to learn in the coming months. The mosquito-borne virus, which traces back to the 1950s in southern Tanzania, has spread to the Caribbean, and U.S. travelers are now bringing it home -- leading to nearly 90 confirmed cases so far this year, with the biggest outbreak in Florida. Chikungunya virus causes high fevers, severe joint aches, headaches, nausea and extreme fatigue. While the mosquitoes that transmit West Nile are most active at dusk and dawn, Parada cautions that chikungunya-carrying mosquitoes are more likely to bite in the daytime. "We may need to worry more 24-7 about mosquitoes," he says.

Spider bites

For the most part, spiders aren't harmful (yes, looks can be deceiving). "Spiders get blamed for everything, but there's usually no threat other than listening to someone scream 'kill it!'" Parada says. Consider black widow and brown recluse spider bites -- which can be extremely painful and even fatal -- the exception to the rule. Symptoms from a brown recluse bite, for example, typically develop two to eight hours later, and include severe pain and itching, nausea, vomiting and fever. Black widow bites cause muscle cramps and spasms that spread throughout the whole body, as well as sweating, chest pain, a headache and restlessness.

Bedbug infestation

No one wants to share a bed with the tiny bloodsuckers. But if you're staying at a hotel this summer, the risk is real, Parada says. Though bedbugs -- rust-colored insects the size of an apple seed -- typically don't transmit infections, you don't want to bring them home with you. "If you come home from a trip and you're worried about bedbugs, unpack the car and leave all your bags in the garage," Parada says. "Then transfer all your clothes directly to the washer -- they'll die in the hot water."

Angela Haupt is a senior editor with the Health and Wellness section at U.S. News. You can follow her on Twitter, connect with her on LinkedIn, circle her on Google+ or email her at ahaupt@usnews.com.