Ticked Off? How to Protect Against Ticks This Spring
Spring doesn't just bring out showers and fresh flowers, it also brings out ticks. Unfortunately, ticks aren't just nasty little annoyances. They're disease-carrying pests that can wreak havoc on you, your family, and your pets. Ticks carry a multitude of diseases, including Lyme disease and Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever. If you live in an area that's inhabited by ticks, you need to take precautions to protect yourself from tick bites.
Protect Your Feet
If you and your family enjoy spending time outside during the spring, you'll need to take extra precautions to protect against tick bites. One of the most important steps you can take begins at your feet. Whenever you head out into the woods—or areas with tall brush—wear hiking boots with socks. You should also tuck your pant legs into your boots if you're wearing long pants. It's also a good idea to wear long-sleeved shirts. The protective clothing will keep ticks off your bare skin.
Once you get home, take turns inspecting each other for bites in areas around the back of the neck or other areas of exposed skin.
Protect Your Pets
If you're going to be taking your dogs into the woods with you, you'll need to include them in your tick precautions. First, use a specially-designed tick collar. These collars will repel ticks and protect your dog from serious diseases. Second, inspect your dog as soon as you get home. Use a tick comb and tweezers to remove any ticks you find. You can also make your own natural tick repellent using water and lavender oil. Fill a small spray bottle with water and add a few drops of lavender oil. Spritz a small amount of the solution on a bandanna and wrap it around your dog's neck. The ticks will likely stay away.
Protect Your Home
Ticks don't stop at the door. If they can find a way into your home, they'll invade your space. To keep ticks away from your home, you'll need to take a few precautions. First, clear the weeds and debris from around the perimeter of your home. Second, if you have a woodpile for winter use, move it to the back of your yard. Finally, have a pest control company come out and perform tick spraying around your home to prevent tick infestations. Ask your pest control technician for other safety precautions that will help keep ticks away.