Summer is here, so it’s time to enjoy all that nature has to offer, like sunshine, fresh air, and… ticks? These eight-legged hitchhikers can turn a fun hike into a cause for concern. But fear not, fellow adventurer! By understanding these creepy crawlies, you can significantly reduce the risk of tick bites and tick-borne illness.
What Are Ticks?
Ticks are external parasites that, like spiders, belong to the arachnid class. They feed on the blood of other animals, including humans. There are many different tick species, but the most common ones in the US include the deer tick and the dog tick.
According to the National Park Service, deer ticks are most commonly responsible for Lyme Disease, while dog ticks typically carry Rocky Mountain spotted fever (RMSF). Adult ticks are most active from mid-March through May, and then again from mid-August through November, but ticks can be active whenever the temperature is above freezing.
How to Prevent Being Bitten
Ticks tend to be small, about the size of a sesame seed, so being vigilant is key to avoiding bites.
Applying bug spray before heading out for an extended period is a great way to reduce your chance of being bitten. According to the California Department of Public Health, it’s best to use a spray with at least 20% of an active ingredient like DEET, picaridin, or IR3535.
While bug spray may reduce your risk of picking up a tick hitchhiker, the best way to prevent tick bites is to wear proper protective clothing. The Global Lyme Alliance recommends wearing long sleeve shirts and long pants, with your shirt tucked into your waistband. Your pants should be tucked into high socks and long hair should be tucked into a hat. It’s also best to wear light-colored clothing so ticks are easy to spot.
How to Find Ticks
After spending a day outdoors, a thorough tick check is crucial. Here’s how to spot these tiny critters:
- Do a full-body scan, paying special attention to warm, moist areas like your armpits, behind your knees, in and around your hair, and between your toes.
- Have a friend or family member help you check hard-to-reach areas like your back and scalp.
- Use a full-length mirror to get a good look at your entire body.
Pro Tip: Remember that ticks are very small, so consider using a magnifying glass during your inspection.
How to Remove Ticks Safely
If you find a tick attached to your skin, don’t panic! Here’s how to remove it safely, as per Summit Health:
- Gather Your Supplies: Tweezers with fine tips are the best tool to use.
- Grab and Pull: Grasp the tick as close to the skin’s surface as possible using the tweezers.
- Steady Does It: Pull the tick straight upwards with slow, even pressure. Don’t twist or jerk, as jostling the tick too much can cause it to regurgitate its gut contents into the wound. This can increase the chances of infection or Lyme Disease.
- Seal the Deal: Once removed, place the tick in a sealed container or crush it with a tissue.
Important Note: The tick’s head may break off and remain embedded in the skin. This is normal and can be treated similarly to a splinter.
Lyme Disease
According to the CDC, Lyme disease is the most common disease people in the US catch from insects or arachnids. Tiny bacteria called Borrelia burgdorferi (usually) or Borrelia mayonii (less often), can hitch a ride on infected ticks, which then latch onto unsuspecting humans during outdoor adventures.
Early symptoms can feel like the flu: fever, headache, and fatigue. But a telltale sign is a bull’s-eye rash left around the site of the bite. A bull’s-eye rash looks like a red circle with a clear center. If left untreated, the infection can travel to your joints, heart, or nervous system. Long term effects of Lyme Disease include, among other concerns, cardiac issues, memory loss, and arthritis.
Doctors diagnose Lyme disease based on your symptoms, the appearance of a rash, and the chance of tick exposure. Lab tests can also be helpful as well. The good news? Most cases respond well to a few weeks of antibiotics.
If you experience any of these symptoms after a tick bite, consult a healthcare professional immediately. Early diagnosis and treatment with antibiotics can effectively prevent long-term complications.
Remember, knowledge is power when it comes to ticks. By following these tips and staying vigilant, you can enjoy the outdoors with confidence, knowing how to identify, remove, and prevent these tiny terrors.
