Stay Safe: Ticks Are Always on the Prowl

Ticks are sneaky little creatures that can be a problem no matter the season. They don't take vacations, so neither should your caution. These bloodsuckers love to hide in grassy and leafy areas, waiting for a chance to hitch a ride on you, your pets, or even your clothes. Some places, like parts of the Northeast, are seeing more ticks than usual this year. But don't think you're safe just because you don't live there. Ticks are spreading to new areas, and they can carry some serious diseases. One of the biggest concerns is Lyme disease, which is spread by blacklegged ticks, also known as deer ticks. The good news is that you can protect yourself. First, do a thorough check after spending time outside. Ticks love to hide in warm, hidden spots like under your arms, behind your ears, and in your hair. If you're out all day, do quick checks every few hours. When you get home, take a shower. This will wash off any ticks that haven't attached yet and help you spot any that have. If you find a tick, remove it as soon as possible. Use tweezers to grasp it as close to the skin as possible and pull it out. If you don't have tweezers, you can use your fingernails, the edge of a credit card, or any semi-sharp object. The key is to remove the tick as quickly as possible. If you remove it within 24 hours, the chances of getting infected are pretty low. To keep ticks away, wear long sleeves and pants when you're outside. You can also use bug sprays containing DEET on your skin and permethrin on your clothes. These chemicals can help repel ticks and keep them from biting you. Don't forget about your pets, either. They can bring ticks into your home, and ticks can live for months indoors, waiting for their next meal. Check your pets for ticks after they've been outside, especially in areas they can't groom themselves, like their ears, muzzle, and between their toes. If you do get bitten, keep an eye on the area for a few weeks. If you notice a rash or flu-like symptoms, see a doctor. And remember, the CDC doesn't recommend testing ticks because the results might not be accurate.