Tick, tick, tick. As the seasons turn warm, these tiny parasites come out in droves.
Not only do they cause itching and redness, but they also spread diseases like Lyme disease and Rocky Mountain spotted fever. Luckily for you, our expert tick survival guide is here to help. With these practical tips and our insider knowledge, you’ll have the tools you need to protect your loved ones and furry friends from these invading insects.
Understanding the Threat
These eight-legged bloodsuckers just love to come out and play during the warmer seasons. They can be found hiding in shrubs, tall grass, and just about any wooded area.
But don’t be fooled, they aren’t just confined to outdoor spaces and can invade your home too. And, as blood-feeding arachnids, they can potentially transmit harmful illnesses that can affect both humans and animals. Yikes!
Tick-Proof Your Yard
Ticks pose a real threat to your loved ones and pets, but fear not! You can create a parasite-free haven in your yard by taking a few simple steps.
- Step 1: Keep your lawn groomed, regularly mowing and raking up any debris.
- Step 2: Trim back any unsightly vegetation.
- Step 3: Install barriers made of gravel to separate your yard from wooded areas.
- Step 4: Opt for a physical fence or other blockade to keep tick-carrying critters at bay.
Personal Protection
Don’t let ticks (or the thought of them anyway), ruin your outdoor adventures. Here’s what you need to know to keep tick bites at bay.
- Wear appropriate clothing such as, long-sleeved shirts, long pants tucked into your socks, and closed shoes.
- Apply insect repellent with at least 20% DEET to your exposed skin and clothing.
- When you’re back inside, take the time to conduct a thorough tick check on yourself, your loved ones, and your pets to ensure a tick-free environment.
Pet Protection
Pets can easily pick up ticks while exploring the outdoors. Keep them safe by consulting with your vet on effective preventive measures such as spot-on treatments, collars, and medications.
Bonus Tip: Don’t forget to regularly groom and inspect your pets to detect ticks early, allowing for prompt removal and minimizing the risk of disease transmission.
Tick-Proofing Your Home
Ticks can easily sneak into your home by hitching a ride on your clothing or pets. That’s why we’ve got simple tick-proofing measures that can help you out. Here’s what you can do:
- Wash and dry clothes on HIGH heat after being outdoors to ensure all ticks have been eradicated properly.
- Vacuum frequently (this means your couches, beds and carpets.)
- Wash your pet’s bedding regularly to get rid of any lingering ticks.
Tick Removal Techniques
If you find a tick attached to your skin, act quickly and correctly. Here’s how to remove them like a pro:
- Use fine-tipped tweezers to grip the tick as close to the skin’s surface as possible.
- Pull it out with even pressure to avoid getting the mouthparts stuck in your skin.
- Skip the twisting or jerking to minimize injury.
- Clean the area thoroughly with soap and water.
- Apply an antiseptic.
Professional Services
Tick infestations driving you mad? Don’t throw in the towel! Leave it to the pros. They have all the tricks and tools to get rid of these pesky critters. Not only will they sort out the problem, but they’ll also give you some tips on keeping them at bay in the future. Tick-tick, call them quick to ensure you get a handle of tick control!
Conclusion
Knowledge and proactive measures are the key to avoiding tick bites and the potential illnesses that come with them. With our survival guide, chock full of expert tips and advice, you can enjoy the outdoors with your family, with a peace of mind. Prevention is always better than cure!
