Tick exposure can occur year-round but is more common during the warm summer months between April and September. The pest hides in tall grass, bushes, and weedy areas -including residential areas- where it lies in wait for an unsuspecting victim. Once a victim crosses its path, the tick dives onto the body and attaches itself to the skin to begin its blood meal. Ticks feed until they are removed from the skin and can triple their pre-blood meal size. Ticks carry diseases and an infected pest can transmit them to humans. Lyme Disease is the most common disease ticks transmit to humans. If you want to safeguard yourself and your family against tick bites and the potential risks, the following tips can help.
Outdoor Tick Bite Prevention
Ticks can be found in any grassy, brushy, or wooded area. They can also be found on animals, including your pets. When you are outside, whether walking Fido, grilling out with family, playing frisbee at the local park, or taking a hike, you may come into contact with ticks. Before heading outdoors, treat clothing and gear with a pesticide containing 0.5% permethrin. If you prefer, purchase pre-treated gear to save time and hassle. Don't forget to spray on repellents containing DEET, picaridin, Oil of Lemon Eucalyptus, or para-menthane-diol (PMD.)Indoor Tick Prevention Tips
Check clothing for ticks once you head indoors. Ticks can be carried into homes and will survive on humans and pets. You should also check backpacks, boots, and other gear once inside the home. If you happen to find a tick, promptly remove it using a pair of tweezers or your fingers. Never squeeze the tick with the tweezers. Toss the clothing you wore outdoors into the dryer on high heat for 10-minutes to further protect yourself against potential ticks and their bites. Taking a shower after coming inside is also beneficial. Studies show that taking a shower within two hours of coming back indoors is effective in reducing tick-borne illnesses. Thoroughly examine your body for ticks, paying special attention to areas like:- In and behind the ears
- Underneath the arms
- Back of the knees
- Inside the belly button
- Between the legs
- In the hair
More Tick Bite Prevention Tips
A few final tips to help prevent tick bites:- Avoid walking in wooded/brushy areas with tall grass
- Always walk in the center of trails
- Wear long socks and tuck your pants legs into the socks
Southern Pride Pest Control is a full-service pest control company headquartered in Muscle Shoals, AL. SPPC specializes in pest control and prevention services including termite control, rodent control, bed bug control, ant control, and mosquito control, and can even help with moisture control around your residence or commercial property. Established in 2010, Southern Pride Pest Control is a reliable source of quality pest-management solutions delivered by a team you can trust.
Call us today for any of your pest control needs.
