Tips for Tick Season
One of the many advantages of living in the Mid-Atlantic region is that when the weather gets warmer, there is so much to do. From hiking to visiting the beach and everything in between, there is always something to do outdoors. However, once the weather gets warmer, the ticks come out to play. Don’t let ticks ruin your next outdoors outing—follow these quick and easy tips to remain tick-free this season!
Know where you are going. A tick can’t bite you through clothing, so knowing where you are going and, in turn, dressing appropriately will greatly reduce the chances of a tick biting you. For example, if you know that you are walking on a trail through a wooded area, wearing a tank top and shorts may not be the best idea. Instead, opt for clothing that covers your whole body, as it will keep skin exposure to a minimum, and thus, the space which ticks can latch onto you.
Try a repellent. Camping and hiking are popular in the warmer months, yet both come with an increased risk of ticks. If you plan to spend a considerable amount of time outside (more than a couple of hours) then it may be in your best interest to invest in a can of tick repellent. There are multiple different sprays to choose from, but make sure that you choose one which contains DEET. This stuff is totally safe to spray on yourself, and ticks cannot stand the smell of it whatsoever. In addition, you may also want to try clothing-only repellents that can be applied to clothes depending on your activity level.
Shower after being outdoors. Believe it or not, studies have shown that showering within two hours after being outdoors can reduce your risk of getting Lyme disease. Rinsing off can wash away any unattached ticks from your body, and gives a perfect opportunity to do our next tip…
Do a daily tick check. No one is perfect, so despite your best efforts, there is a very good chance that a tick will latch onto you. So, after being outdoors, regardless of how much you prepared yourself, check every inch of your body, including your armpits, back, and belly button for ticks. Do the same for your children, and if you see a tick latched on, make sure to remove it immediately.
Tick season is comes with the tides, but so long as you have a good head on your shoulders, you can greatly limit the chances of getting bit. Prevention and knowledge are your two best tools to use against ticks, so please be sure to keep the tips from this blog in mind the next time you head outside. Should you have any questions on ticks or any other pest, feel free to call us anytime—we’d be more than happy to help!
