Stay Tick free in summertime!

Posted on June 11, 2010 with 2 Comments

A few days ago, an article was published on wtop.com explaining how the amount of tick cases is on the rise.  The tick population is growing and there are more tick-borne diseases that are being introduced. Once a tick bites a human, it has to stay intact with the skin for 24 hours until it can transmit a disease.  Whenever you come inside from being outside, make sure you check your whole body for unusual spots.  If you do find a tick, make sure you remove the whole body and all of the legs.  If the tick is far underneath the skin, go to the hospital as soon as you can to remove it.  Once you remove the tick, put it in a small bag and keep it in the freeze for a few days so if the tick did transmit a disease, a doctor can identify the tick and treat it properly. The article points out some tips to prevent ticks including the following:

• Avoiding tall grass
• Avoid walking where your lawn meets the woods.  Do not brush up against bushes because ticks could easily transfer from a tree or bush to a person
• Use insect repellent that contains 30% DEET or .5% permethrin
• Wear light colored clothes when outside so you can see if a tick is on you
• Tuck you pants into your socks
• Wear long sleeved pants and shirts
• Cut your lawn often
• Get rid of places where rodents like
• If you have pets, ask your vet for tick control methods you can use

By following these tips you will stay healthy and tick free.  If you are concerned about ticks in your lawn, JP McHale can help!  Contact us by phone 800-479-2284, email, twitter, or facebook.

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