Ticks can be dangerous pests. Their bites cause rashes and allergic reactions, and some ticks carry the bacteria that causes Lyme disease. Here are four ways you can protect yourself from ticks:
1. Protect yourself.
Ticks feed on mammals, so they're often found in forests and grassy areas where their food sources dwell. Protect yourself by wearing appropriate clothing when you visit tick-infested areas. When you go hiking in the woods, wear long pants, socks, and closed-toe shoes. Ticks are very small and can crawl into tight spaces, so tuck your pants into your socks while walking through grassy areas. It may look silly, but taking this step will ensure that you stay tick-free.
2. Remove ticks carefully.
Sometimes, you may be bitten by a tick despite your best efforts. If this happens, don't panic. Don't try to remove the tick with your fingers, since ticks are very small and hard to grasp. Instead, get a clean pair of tweezers to grab the tick. Pull slowly and steadily on the tick to encourage it to release its grip on your skin. If you pull the tick too quickly, its head may break off under your skin, which can put you at risk for infection. Dispose of the tick safely before thoroughly washing your hands and the site of the tick bite. Don't forget to disinfect your tweezers.
3. See a doctor.
Tick bites are often harmless, but you should pay attention to how you feel in the weeks following the bite. According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, you should see a doctor if you become feverish, or if you find a rash. Your doctor will want to know as much information as possible about the tick bite, since different varieties of ticks can carry certain diseases.
4. Call a professional.
Prevention is always better than a cure. If you have a tick infestation on your property, call a landscaping service that specializes in tick control. Landscapers can remove ticks from your property by clearing debris such as fallen leaves and branches, since ticks like to hide in these places. Landscapers can also lay mulch or gravel down in a barrier around your backyard, in order to discourage ticks from migrating onto your property.
You can enjoy the great outdoors without worrying about ticks. These four tips will help you and your loved ones stay safe from ticks.
Share24 October 2018
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