It’s finally spring – This wonderful time of year brings renewal, fresh air, blooming trees and flowers, time spent in the garden, walks in the woods, and unfortunately, ticks. More time spent outside means more contact with ticks, especially in the spring. These pesky critters can be dangerous if they attach to you. There are precautions you can take while you are outside to avoid a bite, such as body spray bug repellents and yard treatments that protect your yard, and those in it, from dangerous ticks. However, there is always a chance you may still get a tick bite.
The Dangers of Ticks
Some tick bites can be harmless, however there are a few reasons why ticks are dangerous:
- Bites can cause allergic reactions
- Bite sites can become infected
- Ticks can pass diseases, like Lyme disease, onto animals or humans when they bite
Protecting Yourself During Tick Season
While you spend time outside there are a few things that you can do to protect yourself from tick bites. Here are the top six ways to protect yourself, your friends, and your family:
- Use a chemical repellent with DEET, permethrin, or picaridin.
- Wear light-colored protective clothing.
- Tuck pant legs into socks.
- Avoid tick-infested areas.
- Check yourself, your children, and your pets daily for ticks and carefully remove any ticks.
- Treat your yard with tick repellent to avoid a population near your home.
Removing a Tick Safely
While being diligent with the above precautions will drastically cut your chances of being bit by a tick, it may still happen. If you are bitten by a tick, your best bet for preventing the spread of diseases, like Lyme disease, is fast and proper removal.
1. Using tweezers, grab the tick as close to the skin’s surface as possible.
2. Maintaining an even pressure, carefully pull upward without twisting.
3. After the tick has been removed, clean the bite site area and your hands with rubbing alcohol. You can also use an iodine scrub or soap and water.
4. Do NOT try to crush the tick with your fingers! Submerging the tick in rubbing alcohol or tightly sealing it in a small container will properly dispose of the tick.
5. Some people recommend saving the tick in a sealed plastic bag so that it can be tested to see if it is a carrier of Lyme disease.
6. Call a doctor and go in for a visit so they can instruct you on what to watch out for or any additional treatments you may need.
7. Watch the bite site and note any changes in the skin surrounding the area, such as rings or redness.
Staying Safe During Tick Season
By taking precautions like wearing the right clothing, using bug spray, and avoiding tick-infested areas, you should be able to avoid a tick bite. This spring, consider treating your yard for the best results in tick protection so that you and your friends and family can enjoy the outdoors without having to worry about ticks. To get a FREE quote for a professional tick treatment program, contact Backyard Defenders today!