Hello, Warmer Weather! And, Hello, Ticks.
An Uptick in…er…Ticks
Mild winters, like the one we experienced this year, are often thought to contribute to an abundance of ticks on the roam, especially for the later months of Spring. As we start to get outside more, being tick aware is an important part of helping your family stay happy and healthy.
How to help you and your loved ones stay safe as you head outdoors:
Avoiding getting bit is always the first — and best — line of defense against tickborne illnesses. A few ways to keep the creepy-crawlies off of you can be to:
Avoid tick-loving areas — this means locations that have leaf litter and vegetation.
Wear light-colored clothing to spot ticks easily.
Wear enclosed shoes, long pants, and a long-sleeved shirt. Tuck pant legs into socks or boots and shirt into pants.
Check clothes and any exposed skin frequently for ticks while outdoors and check again once indoors.
Consider using insect repellent.
Stay on cleared, well-traveled trails.
Avoid sitting directly on the ground or on stone walls.
Keep long hair tied back or up, especially when gardening.
If you are moving through vegetation, consider doing the "inside-out” tape trick!
Did you know that ticks can carry more than just Lyme Disease?
It’s important to be familiar with the signs and symptoms of Lyme Disease, but ticks can carry more than just one type of illness. Often these symptoms can be more obscure or severe. Some of the other common tickborne illnesses for our area include:
If you do get bit by a tick, here’s the skinny on how to remove it safely and securely:
DO use a tweezer or tick key/spoon.
DO grab the tick at the lowest point possible, near the skin.
DO use steady pressure upwards and away.
DO clean the bite site and your hands after removal.
DO NOT touch the tick with your bare hands.
DO NOT squeeze the body of the tick as this may increase your risk of infection.
DO NOT put alcohol, nail polish remover or Vaseline on the tick.
DO NOT put a hot match or cigarette on the tick in an effort to make it "back out."
DO NOT use your fingers to remove the tick.
Pets and Ticks…a Match Made in Heaven
Tick checking your furry friends is an important aspect to staying healthy, both for you and for them, too!
Ways to reduce tick bites on your pets and/or tick transfer from pets to humans:
Brush your pet each time they come in the house from being outside.
Keep pets off of beds, couches, and other furniture that could easily exchange ticks during sleep or rest.
Keep up-to-date with all tick medications.
Take off collars and harnesses after walks and romps.
Wash pet bedding often.
Walk where pets can stay out of longer vegetation (weeds, bushes, etc.).
