The summer is upon us, and more and more people are turning to the outdoors for entertainment. Whether you are going camping or just taking your dog on a walk through the woods, there is a possibility you could come home with a little more than you bargained for – specifically, a tick. Ticks carry diseases, some of which can be fatal. How can you protect against ticks this summer season?
Protect against ticks this summer season
- Use products with 20% DEET or higher on skin and clothing – this should be applied carefully, avoiding the eyes and mouth, and reapplied after several hours to ensure its effectiveness.
- Wear light colored clothing – this gives you a better chance of spotting a tick before it gets to your skin.
- Wear long pants, along with sneakers or hiking boots – covering all areas of the body is key to avoiding ticks. Keep your pant legs tucked into your socks, and your shirt tucked into your waistband as well.
- Stay on the trail – ticks love areas where there is heavy vegetation. By walking on designated trails, you’ll avoid brushing against foliage they may be waiting in. Even on trails, though, there are some areas where the foliage may brush against your legs – if you notice you are attracting a lot of ticks, turn back and try a different route.
- Do daily tick checks – ticks love to hide in your hair, under arms, behind knees, or between your legs – check all areas after you have been out in the woods, or have a family member check areas you cannot see.
- Wash and dry your clothes – many ticks can make it through the wash cycle, so make sure to dry your clothes on the “hot” setting as well.
- Check your pets and kids before they enter their home – a tick may be unattached, waiting in your pet’s hair or on your child’s t-shirt. From there, they can drop to the carpet, and then attach to another unsuspecting member of the family. Check thoroughly before coming inside.
By keeping these tips in mind, you will be well on your way to being safe from ticks and the diseases they carry during your adventures this summer.
