A tick can be quite dangerous for humans and animals alike. The tick has been known to carry pathogens than can cause serious diseases such as Lyme disease, Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever and tularemia. These diseases can start off with non-specific flu-like symptoms but can end up being a very serious health concern in the latter part. To be safe from the dangers of these ailments, it’s best to have yourself and your family aware of the things to do to prevent a tick infestation. If these things can’t be prevented, it is also imperative that you know what to do when you encounters tick infestation.
Here are some tips on how to deal with a tick infestation.
Ticks are very small critters so they are very hard to detect when they’re in the cover of foliage. The woods and areas of shrubbery can be good places for ticks to hide and breed. If you have a garden or a wide lawn, always put out tick repellent granules to keep ticks at bay. Don’t worry about these being toxic to your pets or plants, this product has been especially manufactured to be deadly only against ticks.
If you really have to go through an area with tick infestation, take these following precautions. Wear a long sleeved shirt and tuck it in under a heavy duty glove and wear high cut shoes. You should also tuck the ends of your pants inside your shoes to create a semi-impermeable seal against the ticks. If you can wear light colored garments, it would make it much easier to spot them should they end up on your body.
There are animals that act as the natural predator to the tick. A small bird called the guinea fowl can be used to control the number of ticks in your neighborhood. These are very low maintenance animals that also double as a secondary pet for your family. They would definitely be a good frontline defense against ticks, fleas and other types of pests.
Most dogs and cats have thick fur so ticks may not be as visible compared to the human skin. Routinely check your animals for ticks by systematically looking under your animals’ fur coat. Ticks look like little black bugs that attach themselves on the skin of your pets. Your veterinarian should have a regimen for the removal and prevention of these tiny pests.
Spray yourself with a solution that has DEET. Exposed areas should always be treated with this substance so that no tick can attach itself. Take precaution and use a DEET solution with a lower concentration for children below the age of seven.
If ever you suspect that you’ve been bitten, watch out for the symptoms and be vigilant. Take yourself to the hospital once you develop fever, chills and generalized body weakness. Tick bites will always be a part of life for those who love the great outdoors, but with these tips, the risk can be greatly reduced.