Ticks are very commonly found in the United States. They usually live outdoors in shrubs, trees, grass, and also leaf piles. These insects are usually attracted to people and any four-legged pets, such as cats or dogs. Ticks have eight small legs, so they are commonly classified in the class of arachnids. They are related to spiders. When they attack you, they are going to suck your blood and this can cause irritation to your skin. Ticks usually prefer moist and warm areas of your body. Once they bite you, they are going to remain attached to your body for up to 10 days!
Dangers of Ticks
Tick bites are harmless for most people. However, some people may suffer from mild symptoms after being bitten by ticks. If you are allergic to tick bites, you are going to experience some including a burning sensation on your skin, blisters, rashes, swelling on areas of your skin, and potentially even difficulty breathing. If you find any of these symptoms after you find ticks on your skin, you should seek medical attention immediately. Your doctor will prescribe an anti-allergic drug for reducing any those symptoms as well as look into further issues that may arise.
Ticks can also bring diseases to your body, especially if you have a weak immune system. These diseases may include Rocky Mountain spotted fever, Lyme disease, tularemia, Colorado tick fever, and also ehrlichiosis (causing flu-like symptoms). When you find any tick bites on your body, you need to be alert to any symptoms that may arise. If you find any uncomfortable symptoms, you should seek medical attention.
Use EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) approved insect repellents
It is a good idea for you to use the best insect repellent that is registered with the EPA for insect repellent products. There are many types of insect repellents that are available on the market. These products usually contain some important ingredients, including picaridin, DEET, oil of lemon eucalyptus, 2-undecanone, para-menthane-diol (PMD), and also IR3535. Make sure that you follow all instructions given by your favorite repellent. Be sure to not use any products containing PMD or oil of lemon eucalyptus when you have children under 3 years old.
Wash your cloth properly
If you want to prevent any tick bites on your skin, you should wash your clothes regularly. It is a good idea for you to choose the best product for cleaning your clothes as well. You can use any cleaning solution that contains 0.5% of permethrin. This chemical substance can be used to treat clothing, camping gear, and also boots. When it is used on your clothes, this chemical substance will repel the ticks away from your body. You will be able to prevent tick bites effectively by washing your clothes regularly.
Check your pets regularly
This is another important thing that you have to do, especially when you want to prevent a tick attack on your body. Ticks may grow well on your dogs or cats. Your pets may transmit ticks from their bodies to your skin. Therefore, you have to check your pets regularly. It is a good idea for you to clean them at least once a week. Cleaning your pets regularly can reduce the population of ticks on their bodies. As a result, you can reduce the possibility of getting tick bites on your skin.
Take a shower after outdoor activities
As all of you know, ticks usually love outdoor space with a humid environment. After doing some outdoor activities, you should take your clothes off immediately. Make sure that you do a complete tick inspection on your whole body. It is a good idea for you to take a shower after doing some outdoor activities. Warm water and soap are two main products that can be used to eliminate ticks from your skin.
To ensure that your property has as few of these pests as possible, reach out to your local EcoShield Pest Control office today!