TICKED OFF

We have had enough of ticks! They seem to be everywhere this year. Many people don't actually know what they are looking for when it comes to ticks.

Let's start with the basics

Ticks are small, parasitic arachnids that can transmit diseases like Lyme disease. When walking outdoors, especially in grassy, wooded, or bushy areas, it's important to take precautions to avoid tick bites. Here’s how to find and prevent ticks:

Before You Go Outdoors

1. Wear the Right Clothing:

   • Long Sleeves and Pants: Wear long-sleeved shirts and long pants to minimize exposed skin.

   • Light-Colored Clothing: Ticks are easier to spot on light-colored clothing.

   • Tuck In: Tuck your pants into your socks or boots to prevent ticks from crawling up your legs.

2. Use Tick Repellent:

   • DEET or Permethrin: Apply insect repellent containing DEET on exposed skin. Treat clothing, shoes, and gear with permethrin, which kills ticks on contact.

3. Stay on the Path:

   • Avoid tall grass, leaf litter, and brushy areas. Stick to the center of trails to reduce contact with ticks.

     
     

While Outdoors

1. Check Yourself and Your Pets:

   • Periodically check your clothes and exposed skin for ticks. Pay special attention to areas like the waistband, underarms, and neck.

2. Avoid Sitting on the Ground:

   • If you need to sit, use a blanket or other barrier rather than sitting directly on the ground or on logs.

     
     

After You Return Indoors

1. Perform a Full-Body Tick Check:

   • Use a mirror to thoroughly inspect your body, paying close attention to the armpits, behind the knees, groin, scalp, neck, and around the waistband.

   • Check your pets, gear, and clothing.

2. Shower Soon After:

   • Showering within two hours of coming indoors can help wash off ticks that haven’t attached yet.

3. Launder Clothing:

   • Wash clothes in hot water and dry them on high heat to kill any ticks.

     
     

If You Find a Tick

1. Remove the Tick Promptly:

   • Use fine-tipped tweezers to grasp the tick as close to the skin's surface as possible.

   • Pull upward with steady, even pressure. Don’t twist or jerk, as this can cause the mouthparts to break off and remain in the skin.

   • Clean the bite area with soap and water, iodine, or alcohol.

2. Dispose of the Tick:

   • Place the tick in alcohol, a sealed bag, or flush it down the toilet. Never crush a tick with your fingers.

3. Monitor the Bite:

   • Watch for symptoms of tick-borne illnesses, such as a rash, fever, or flu-like symptoms, and seek medical attention if they occur.

     
     

By following these steps, you can significantly reduce your risk of encountering ticks and the diseases they may carry while enjoying the outdoors.