With the weather getting warmer, more people are getting outside to enjoy some fresh air. Unfortunately, going outdoors this summer means exposure to some pesky bugs like ticks.
Tick bites carry some scary diseases like Lyme Disease and Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever, but there are a few things you can do this summer to prevent any issues with ticks.
Know where ticks are
Ticks are most active in the warmer spring and summer months, and they are typically in wooded or high grassy areas.
Use treatments and repellents
If you are going to be in areas where ticks are likely, use a tick repellent with DEET or oil of lemon eucalyptus to keep them off your skin. You can also use treatments on your clothing and gear to keep them free of ticks. Another way to keep ticks off your clothes is by tumble drying your clothes on high for 10 minutes after you’ve been outside. This will kill any lingering ticks.
Protect your pets
Animals are just as prone to tick bites as humans, so if you want to best protect yourself, you also need to protect your pets. Pets can act as a vessel, and they can bring the bugs into your home if not properly treated.
Do a full-body check
Even with using repellent and clothing treatment, it’s important to check anywhere a tick could be on your body. Some places to check are: inside and behind ears, hairline, armpits and groin. Ticks tend to bite in places like hair or cracks and crevices.
Managing ticks in the summer is easy as long as you know what you’re looking for, so use these tips to get back out in nature!
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