Summer is a season of joy, offering longer days, warm weather, and plenty of outdoor activities in Glen Carbon, IL. However, it also marks the peak season for ticks, those pesky vectors of various diseases, including Lyme disease. Here’s a comprehensive guide to understanding and preventing tick bites during these vibrant months.
Understanding Ticks and Their Habitat
Ticks are small, blood-sucking arachnids that thrive in warm, humid environments in Glen Carbon, IL. They are particularly active during the summer when people spend more time outdoors. Ticks live in grassy, brushy, or wooded areas, and they use their first pair of legs to latch onto passing hosts. Familiarizing yourself with their habitats can significantly reduce your chances of being bitten.
Effective Tick Prevention Strategies
- Dress Smartly: When venturing into tick-prone areas, wear long-sleeved shirts and long pants. Tuck your pants into your socks to create a barrier against ticks. Opt for light-colored clothing to easily spot any ticks that may have attached themselves.
- Use Tick Repellents: Apply EPA-approved tick repellents that contain DEET, picaridin, IR3535, or oil of lemon eucalyptus on exposed skin and clothing. Follow the product instructions for duration of protection and reapplication times.
- Stay on the Trail: Stick to the center of trails when hiking to avoid brushing against tall grasses and shrubs where ticks are likely to be waiting.
- Maintain Your Yard: Keep your lawn well-trimmed and free from brush and leaf litter where ticks can hide. Consider using tick control products or treating your yard with natural alternatives like cedar oil.
- Protect Pets: Dogs are especially susceptible to tick bites and tick-borne diseases. Use vet-recommended tick prevention products for your pets and check them regularly for ticks, especially after they’ve been outside.
Checking for and Removing Ticks
Regular tick checks are crucial after spending time outdoors. Pay special attention to underarms, in and around the ears, inside the belly button, behind the knees, between the legs, around the waist, and especially in hair.
Avoid twisting or jerking the tick during removal, as this can cause its mouthparts to detach and stay embedded in the skin. Once the tick is removed, clean the bite area and your hands well by rubbing alcohol, iodine scrub, or soap and water.
To dispose of a live tick, submerge it in alcohol, seal it in a bag or container, wrap it securely in tape, or flush it down the toilet. Be sure to not crush ticks with your fingers.
Educate and Stay Informed
Knowledge is a powerful tool in tick prevention. Educate yourself, your family, and your community about the risks of tick bites and the effective steps to prevent them. Staying informed about the types of ticks common in your area and the diseases they carry can help you take more precise preventive measures.
If you live in Glen Carbon, IL, call Brady Pest Solutions when you are looking for effective tick control solutions.
