As the weather warms up, many of us look forward to spending more time outdoors. However, with warmer temperatures come ticks – those pesky little insects that can cause a range of illnesses, including Lyme disease.
Continue reading for tips on how you can stay outside this spring.
Prevention is Key
The best way to protect yourself and your family from tick-borne illnesses is to prevent tick bites in the first place. Here are some tips for tick prevention:
- Wear protective clothing: When you are spending time outdoors, wear long sleeves, long pants, and closed-toe shoes. Tuck your pants into your socks or boots to create a barrier between your skin and the ground.
- Use insect repellent: Use an insect repellent that contains DEET. Apply it to your skin and clothing according to the instructions on the label.
- Stay on trails: When you’re hiking or walking in wooded or grassy areas, stay on marked trails and avoid tall grass and brush.
- Check for ticks: After spending time outdoors, check your body for ticks. Pay particular attention to your scalp, ears, armpits, and groin area.
- Treat your pets: Pets can also get ticks, so make sure to use a tick preventative product on your pets and check them for ticks regularly.
Tick Removal
If you do find a tick on your body, it’s important to remove it as soon as possible. Use tweezers to grasp the tick as close to your skin as possible and pull it straight out. Do not twist or squeeze the tick, as this can cause the head to remain embedded in your skin. Once you’ve removed the tick, clean the bite area with soap and water or rubbing alcohol.
Ticks can be a nuisance and a potential health threat, but by taking the right precautions, you can enjoy the outdoors without worrying about tick bites. Remember to wear protective clothing, use insect repellent, stay on marked trails, check for ticks, and remove ticks promptly if you find them. By following these tips, you can protect yourself and your family from tick-borne illnesses this spring and beyond.
