Ticks are pesky little creatures that can cause a lot of harm. Not only do they cause itchy and painful bites, but they can also transmit diseases such as Lyme disease and Rocky Mountain spotted fever. If you live in an area with a lot of ticks, it’s important to know how to get rid of them and how to safely remove them from your skin. Here are some tips on how to do both of those things.
- Wear protective clothing: The best way to prevent tick bites is to wear protective clothing. Long sleeves and pants can help keep ticks from getting to your skin, and light-colored clothing can help you spot any ticks that do make it onto your clothes.
- Use tick repellent: Tick repellent is a must-have if you live in a tick-prone area. Choose a repellent that contains DEET, picaridin, or permethrin, and follow the instructions carefully. Apply it to your skin and clothes before heading outside.
- Check yourself and your pets regularly: After spending time outside, check yourself and your pets for ticks. Pay special attention to areas such as the scalp, behind the ears, and in skin folds. If you find a tick, remove it immediately (more on that below).
- Keep your lawn and yard tidy: Ticks love to hide in tall grass and leaf litter. Keep your lawn and yard well-maintained to reduce the chances of ticks hanging around. Trim back any bushes or trees that touch your house, and remove any piles of leaves or debris.
- Use tick tubes Tick tubes : Tick Tubes are small cardboard tubes filled with treated cotton. Mice, which are known tick carriers, take the cotton to use as nesting material. The treated cotton then kills any ticks that come into contact with it.
How to Remove a Tick If you do find a tick on your skin and they are embedded, it’s important to remove it carefully and safely. Here’s how:
- Use fine-tipped tweezers to grasp the tick as close to your skin’s surface as possible.
- Pull upward with steady, even pressure. Don’t twist or jerk the tick, as this can cause the mouthparts to break off and remain in your skin.
- Once the tick is removed, clean the bite area with soap and water or rubbing alcohol.
- You can get rid of the tick by flushing it down the toilet, putting it in rubbing or any alcohol, or wrapping it in sticky tape.
By following these tips, you can reduce your chances of getting a tick bite and safely remove any ticks that do make it onto your skin. Remember to always be vigilant when it comes to ticks, as they can cause serious harm if left untreated.