Tricky Ticks
Summer is arguably the best time of year for outdoor activities, for both humans and dogs. Dogs simply love the outdoors, and their natural instincts urge them to explore with their masters, and discover new territory filled with many surprises. Some surprises, like a fresh stream or wild blueberries, are good, but some surprises can be harmful to both you and your dog, like ticks. This summer, we want our clients and their best friends to stay tick free, so here are some tick prevention tips for both you and Fido, courtesy of Tri-County Pest Control!
For human prevention, one of the best tips out there is to limit the surface that a tick can latch onto. If you know you are going to be walking on a trail with high grass, or if you’re taking your dog through the woods, then wearing pants and a long-sleeve shirt may be in your best interest. By wearing clothing that covers your body, a tick cannot latch onto you properly, and is more likely to fall off on your walk. You don’t need to wear heavy wool clothing, either—any type of covering will do.
For dogs, we do not encourage you putting them in a wrap-around sweater to beat the ticks. Instead, try to keep your dog moving—standing still invites ticks to climb on. If you are looking for preventative methods, you can try a dog collar that claims to repel ticks, or you can apply some tick repellent that is applied to your dog’s coat. While both may not be able to keep all of the ticks off, they will help to reduce the amount found on your dog. Just be sure your dog is not allergic to any of the two options!
Preventative measures can keep the ticks at bay, but always remember to check for ticks when you get back from a day outdoors. For humans, check your legs, arms, groin, and scalp, as they are the spots that ticks are likely to gravitate towards. For your furry friend, run your fingers through his fur, looking for any bumps you feel. Be sure to check their belly, back, and legs!
Should you find a tick, grab a pair of tweezers and remove it immediately. So long as you remove a tick within hours of it being attached, you severely reduce the risk of contracting Lymes disease.
Don’t let ticks put a damper on your summer. With the right knowledge, you can properly defend against ticks, leaving you free to enjoy the rest of the dog days. For more tips on pest prevention and treatment, be sure to check back every Monday for our latest blog!
