Warmer days mean more outdoor adventures like swimming, boating, camping, and… those annoying little bugs called ticks. Don’t let these creepy crawlers suck the fun out of your summer. Read our tips on how to prevent tick borne illnesses.
- Stay in the center of paths to avoid brushing up against tall grasses, trees, or bushes while walking.
- Wear protective clothing such as long-sleeved shirts, pants, and socks.
- Use tick repellent. You can buy clothing that is pre-treated with permethrin, and/or use spray containing at least 20 to 30 percent DEET.
- Do a full-body tick check. Check behind joints (behind the knees, elbows, armpits), behind the ears, and anywhere covered in hair. You can do this while bathing or showering within two hours after exposure.
If you do find a tick, don’t panic. Remove the tick as soon as possible using tweezers and pull with a constant, steady pressure until it is removed.
After you remove the ticks, watch for symptoms of tick-borne illness, especially if the tick has been on you for more than 36 hours. Symptoms begin three to 30 days after the tick bite and may include:
- A red rash at or near the tick bite that is expanding to other parts of the body
- Flu-like symptoms such as fever, muscle or joint aches, headache, and fatigue
If you develop any of these symptoms or believe you may have contracted an illness, contact us today to set up an appointment.