Time to Check for Ticks
Warm weather has arrived and with it comes ticks. SWNPHD wants to remind everyone as they are enjoying the great outdoors to take precautions against getting tick bites. While gardening, fishing, hiking, or even just picnicking, stay on the lookout for these little pests.
People should be aware of the potential dangers and take appropriate steps to protect themselves, family and dogs from being victims of tick-borne disease. The most common of these diseases in southwest Nebraska is Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever.
Stop ticks with these key actions:
- Use a DEET insect repellent, remembering to take special care with legs and feet.
- Check for ticks after being outside.
- Shower within two hours of coming indoors.
- Check often and remove ticks promptly.
- Wearing long pants and tucking the pant legs into the top of socks
- Wearing solid shoes, not sandals.
Ticks can be carried into the house on clothing and pets. Check your clothing before entering your home. Placing clothes into a dryer on high heat for at least an hour effectively kills ticks. Conduct a full body check upon return from potentially tick-infested areas, which even includes your back yard. Use a hand-held or full-length mirror to view all parts of your body. .
To remove a tick, take tweezers and pull the tick out as close to its mouth parts as possible. Do not use alcohol or a lit match. Immediately wash the area once the tick is removed.
