Due to a mild winter, we currently have to deal with a thriving tick population that can really wreck our health. Researchers explain that the regions that experienced warmer and wetter winters will have higher tick populations this summer. Luckily, you can try the following measures to protect yourself from ticks and stay safe.
Here is what you have to do.
Apply a Tick Repellent on Your Body
As per the CDC’s recommendations, the best way to protect yourself from ticks is to apply a tick repellent that contains no more than 20 % DEET, picaridin (or IR3535) on exposed skin. Also, you have to stay away from any bushy and wooded areas, where the grass is very high, and ticks can hide.
Be Careful Where You Go Hiking
Hiking is all cool and fun, but this summer, you might want to be extra careful! Always choose to walk in the center of trails. Also, you should avoid going near any bushes where ticks are likely to stay.
Moreover, a shower is recommended right after a day outdoors to ensure any remaining critters are washed away. You might as well ask someone to “inspect” your body for any ticks.
Don’t Forget to Mow Your Lawn Regularly
Ben Hottel, PhD, technical services manager for Orkin, says:
“Keeping your lawn regularly mowed, creating a barrier between overgrown shrubs and your property, and reducing leaf litter will reduce the presence of all tick species.”
How to Get Rid of Ticks
Here’s how you can efficiently get rid of ticks:
- Use fine-tipped tweezers to clasp the tick as close to your skin’s surface as possible;
- Try pulling upward, applying even pressure; be careful not to twist the tick!
- Clean immediately the bitten area and your hands with soap and water; you can also use alcohol;
- Use a sealed bag or container to put the tick into or just flush it down the toilet.
The recent report doesn’t offer other details about what will happen with the tick populations through the rest of the summer. However, if the humidity drops below 82-25 % for a few weeks, the ticks start to die.
