As fall quickly approaches, families with kids and pets need to think about protecting them from dangerous ticks. Ticks, small arachnids that attach to the skin of animals and humans, can cause debilitating illnesses such as Lyme disease. Fortunately, there are several steps that you can take to prevent ticks, and protect your kids and pets from harm. In this article, we’ll provide you with the 6 best ways to protect kids and pets from ticks this fall.
1. Avoid Shrubs & Wooded Areas
Ticks thrive in wooded and shrub areas, so you should try to stay away from these habitats. If you need to access wooded or shrubby areas, such as parks or trails, wear long sleeves and long pants with tucked pant legs into socks, so that ticks won’t have easy access to your skin.
Method of Elimination
In order to reduce the risk of ticks, you should create a tick-free zone around your home. Look for areas of standing water and dampness and fill them in, mow grass often to keep it short, and remove leaf litter and brush. You should also ensure that the area is well-lit and separating your lawn from the woods is a great way to protect yourself and your family from ticks.
Barriers of Protection
You can also use a chemical solution around your home to create a barrier through which ticks cannot pass. Use caution when applying chemical sprays and enlist the help of a pest control professional if you’re not comfortable doing it yourself.
2. Check Pets & Kids Regularly
Ticks are small and often hard to detect on the skin, so it’s important to check your kids and pets regularly for any signs of ticks. Pay close attention to areas of the body that are hard to see or hidden, such as the back of the neck and behind the ears. If you’re concerned that you might have missed something, enlist the help of a family member or a pet groomer.
Early Detection
Checking your kids and pets regularly is the best way to ensure early detection and removal of ticks. This helps to reduce the risk of dangerous diseases and gives you peace of mind.
Pet-Friendly Treatments
Pets may benefit from regular treatments of flea and tick medications. Talk to your vet about your pet’s individual needs and invest in the right products.
3. Wear Protective Gear
When venturing outside, or going to wooded areas, it’s important to wear the right kind of clothing to protect yourself and your family from ticks. Wear light-colored long sleeves and long pants, tucked into your socks, and apply insect repellent to your clothing. You should also wear a hat to cover your head.
Eliminate Exposed Skin
Look for any exposed areas of skin in your clothing and address them accordingly. Make sure that your clothing isn’t too tight and that it fully covers your skin.
Insect Repellent
When using insect repellent, make sure that it’s approved for use on humans and pets. Read the directions carefully and follow all safety protocols when applying it.
4. Use Tick Removal Tools
If you or your pet have been bitten by a tick, it’s important to remove it as soon as possible. Invest in a tick removal tool and use it carefully to ensure that you don’t leave any parts of the tick in the skin.
Tweezers
Using a pair of tweezers is another effective way to remove ticks. Grip the tick as close to the skin as possible and gently pull it away. You may need to use a fine-tipped instrument or a magnifying glass to get a better grip on the tick.
Specialized Treatment
Those who are especially concerned about tick bites can invest in specialized tick removal kits. These kits often include tweezers and cleaning wipesl, and can be used with minimal effort.
5. Wash Clothes After Exposures
Be sure to wash the clothes that you or your pet wore while in wooded areas after the exposure. Put the clothes through a hot cycle to kill any remaining ticks.
Clean Bedding
When washing your clothes, be sure to clean your sheets and other bedding as well. This will help keep your home tick-free.
Sun drying Clothes
Hang your clothes out in the sun to dry. The sun’s heat can help kill off any remaining ticks.
6. Keep Your Yard Tidy
Keeping your yard tidy and free of debris can help prevent ticks from settling in. Clear away leaves, sticks, and other objects that may attract ticks.
Trim the Grass Regularly
Keeping the lawn mowed regularly will reduce the places for ticks to hide. Get rid of tall grass and weeds that may provide a breeding ground for ticks.
Regularly Clean The Home
Regularly clean your home, paying special attention to areas that may be hospitable to ticks. Vacuum, mop, and dust regularly to reduce the chances of bringing ticks into your home.
People Also Ask Questions
What is the best way to prevent tick bites?
The best way to prevent tick bites is to wear light-colored clothing that is long sleeved and long pants tucked into socks, wear a hat, and use insect repellent when going into wooded or shrubby areas.
Do ticks like sand or dirt?
Ticks can be found in various habitats, including sand and dirt, however, they prefer areas with tall grass, shrubs, and leaf litter.
What is the best temperature for ticks?
Ticks are most active in temperatures between 7-30°C, and can survive lower temperatures.
How long can ticks live without blood?
Adult ticks can survive up to a year without a blood meal, however, their eggs require it for survival.
Can ticks jump?
No, ticks cannot jump. They crawl, drop from a higher surface, or are picked up by animals or humans.
Final Words
Ticks are small but dangerous arachnids that can cause disease in humans and animals. The key to preventing tick bites and illnesses is to be vigilant. Avoid wooded and shrubby areas, wear the right kind of clothing and apply insect repellent, check your children and pets regularly, use the right tick removal tool, wash clothing and bedding, and keep your yard tidy. With these 6 best ways, you can keep your kids and pets safe this fall.