Rather have a pro do it for you?
| Tools and Supplies to protect yourself from tick-borne illnesses | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Tick removal tool | |||
| 2 | Tick repellent spray | |||
| 3 | Insect repellent clothing | |||
| 4 | Tick-proof socks | |||
| 5 | Tick inspection mirror | |||
| 6 | Tick identification card | |||
| 7 | Tick testing kit | |||
| 8 | Tick bite first aid kit | |||
| 9 | Tick-proof outdoor blanket | |||
| 10 | Permethrin spray for clothing and gear | |||
How to protect yourself from tick-borne illnesses
Stay Safe from Tick-Borne Illnesses with These Easy Tips
Ticks are small, blood-sucking parasites that can transmit various diseases to humans and animals. These diseases are collectively known as tick-borne illnesses. Some common tick-borne illnesses include Lyme disease, Rocky Mountain spotted fever, and ehrlichiosis. In order to protect yourself from these illnesses, it is important to take certain precautions. Here are some steps you can take to protect yourself from tick-borne illnesses:
1. Wear protective clothing: When spending time outdoors in areas known to have ticks, it is important to wear long-sleeved shirts and pants. Tuck your pants into your socks or boots to prevent ticks from crawling up your legs. You can also wear light-colored clothing to make it easier to spot ticks.
2. Use insect repellent: Apply insect repellent containing DEET or picaridin to exposed skin and clothing. Be sure to follow the instructions on the label and reapply as needed.
3. Check for ticks: After spending time outdoors, check your entire body for ticks. Pay close attention to areas such as your scalp, behind your ears, and in your armpits and groin area. Use a mirror to check hard-to-see areas.
4. Remove ticks promptly: If you find a tick on your body, remove it promptly using tweezers. Grasp the tick as close to the skin as possible and pull upward with steady, even pressure. Do not twist or jerk the tick, as this can cause the mouthparts to break off and remain in your skin.
5. Wash your hands and clothing: After removing a tick, wash your hands and the affected area with soap and water. Also, wash your clothing in hot water and dry on high heat to kill any remaining ticks.
6. Keep your lawn and surroundings tidy: Ticks thrive in tall grass and leaf litter, so keep your lawn mowed and remove any leaf litter or debris from your yard. You can also create a barrier between your yard and wooded areas by using wood chips or gravel.
7. Check your pets: Pets can also bring ticks into your home, so be sure to check them for ticks regularly. Talk to your veterinarian about tick prevention products for your pets.
By following these steps, you can reduce your risk of contracting tick-borne illnesses. If you develop symptoms such as fever, headache, muscle aches, or a rash after being bitten by a tick, seek medical attention promptly. Early treatment can help prevent more serious complications.
