Ticks: What You Need To Know

Tick Facts:

– Ticks are parasitic organisms that feed on the blood of their host.

– Although commonly thought to be an insect, ticks are actually arachnids which means they are more like spiders.

– The most common ticks are the deer tick (also called blacklegged tick), the lone star tick and the dog tick.

– Ticks can be active in temperatures above 45 degrees.

– Pets and people can contract multiple diseases from a single bite.

– Lyme disease, Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever and Ehrlichia are all contracted by tick bites.

– Dogs are more likely to contract ticks than cats.

Top Places To Check For Ticks

1. Ears
2. Neck
3. Under Legs
4. Groin/Tail
5. Between Toes

How to remove a Tick

Use tweezers to grip the tick as closely to the skin as possible. Slowly pull upward and try to keep the tick intact,. Leaving the head or any body parts in the skin can lead to an infection. Do not touch the tick with your hands as they can carry many diseases. Place the tick into a sealed container and mark the date. If you or your pet begins showing any unusual symptoms your medial examiner will likely want to test the tick. After the removal has taken place, thoroughly wash the area with rubbing alcohol, soap and water.

Preventing Tick Bites

• Wear the right clothing. Try not to leave any bare skin where ticks could easily attach. Wear long sleeves and pants. It’s also easier to spot ticks in light colored clothing.
• Use natural  insect repellent. 
• Stay on the trails. When possible, stay on walking trails and away from overgrown areas where ticks may hide.
• Check for ticks throughout the day.
• Eliminate their habitats. Make your property less friendly to ticks by mowing the grass and trimming bushes. Spray a chemical-free  insecticide such as PCO Choice to kill existing bugs which will also act as a repellent.
• Check your pets.  Regularly checking for ticks and using a extra-strength tick repellent such as TickShield will help prevent pets from bringing ticks into your home.

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