Tips for Ticks

For all of us that enjoy the outdoors ticks can be a constant concern, and with good reason. Ticks are parasites that can carry debilitating diseases like Lyme Disease, Rocky Mountain Fever, or Ehrlichiosis. While there are now treatments for these diseases, prevention is still the best option. Understanding how to prevent tick bites and how to keep them off you is your best defense. Whenever venturing into areas where ticks may be present you should take these preventative measures.

Wear Light Colored Clothing

Wearing light colored clothing will not repel ticks, but it makes them easier to see. Ticks are dark insects that stand out against a light background. Wearing light colored clothing will make them easier to see so they can be removed.

Use a Repellent

Spraying your clothing and skin to repel ticks is another great prevention method. Use sprays that have DEET or are labeled as tick repellents. Not all mosquito repellents work for ticks and repellents are not 100% effective, so don't rely on the repellent to be failsafe.

Avoid Loose Clothes

Loose baggy clothes are a poor option when you may encounter ticks. Ticks are looking to grab onto something as it walks buy, so the bigger your clothes the more opportunity for them to get on your clothes. Baggy clothes also offer more hiding places for the ticks. You never want to bring ticks into your household and they will be harder to find on baggy clothes.

Tuck in Your Clothes

Your clothes are your outer defense against ticks and you want to prevent them from getting on your skin. Tucking your pants into your sock and tucking in your shirt will help prevent ticks from getting on your skin. Another option for this are ankle gaiters. These cover from your shoes up to your knee. Since they lay over your clothes they can be heavily sprayed with repellent and will help keep ticks from falling into your shoes.

Tick Checks

Ticks checks are the most important prevention method to avoid tick bites. While in areas where ticks are present it is a good idea to stop every once in a while and check for ticks on your clothing. More importantly is to check your body for ticks once you are in the house or getting ready for bed. Check all area thoroughly and double check hairy area and crevasses. These are the areas that are most prone to tick bites.

Remember there are no guarantees to keep ticks off your body so take all the precautions you can. If you ever find a tick attached to you it is important to treat it right away. Remove the tick with tweezers by grabbing it by the body, folding it over slightly and pull until it's mouth is removed. The mouth will appear to be a little white dot at the end of the head. Remember to not squeeze or try to kill the tick while it is embedded in your skin. Once the tick is removed place it in a jar or zip-lock bag so you can show it to a doctor.