Tiny but deadly – a tick bite is something that could happen to any one of us – and it must be taken seriously.
Ticks carry a host of diseases and bacteria that could cause decades of suffering if not caught early.
So, if you’re looking to keep ticks far away from you and your family– here are a few tips to keep in mind.
Watch Out For Tick Hotspots
Make sure you remove piles of leaves from your yard.
Yes, gone are the days when our children can freely jump into piles of leaves and play in them.
Ticks LOVE leaves and are attracted to them, and they can often be found in piles of decomposing leaves under a tree.
The same goes with any rubbish and garbage laying around your yard.
Don’t give ticks any ground to hide – keep your yard clear of anything of excess.
And be sure to mow your yard frequently to prevent tall grass from accumulating ticks.
Fence It In
Many animals (like deer) carry ticks on them.
Stop stray animals from entering your yard by placing a fence around it.
If you have a dog or cat that likes to run wild outside – make sure you are mindful and check them for ticks before you allow them inside.
Create Barriers
If you have a playground for your little ones – keep it away from dangling trees and wooded areas.
And if you can – place gravel to create about a 3-ft barrier between your yard and any wooded areas.
Prepare For The Outdoors
If you are going for a hike in the woods – make sure you have on long sleeves – and consider wearing light-colored clothes so you can see any ticks should they land on you.
Of course – make sure you have on long socks and shoes!
After being outside, have a family member check you for ticks – including behind your ears, your scalp, and even your armpits.
Ticks are little creatures and hard to see.
If you do happen to find one – be careful how you remove it!
Past advice has wrongly encouraged “burning” or “twisting“ them out.
Instead, use a sharp pair of tweezers designed to fully remove ticks without causing them to burrow deeper in your skin and so you can test the tick if necessary.
And if you don’t have one already, it’s wise to make a homemade tick kit so you are prepared should you or your family get bit!
Have Fun But Be Smart
The goal isn’t to make you afraid of the great outdoors – but you must be smart.
Gone are the free-loving days of the past when we could run barefoot through the tall grass and roll around in the leaves.
Have fun enjoying nature – but take these simple steps and incorporate them into your life to protect you and your family.
The last thing you want to deal with is a case of Lyme Disease or some other bacteria from a tick!
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