Summer-Autumn is the perfect time to enjoy the outdoors in Massachusetts, especially with your pets. It's the best time to go for a hike and enjoy the outdoors in general. However, it comes with drawbacks. Summer/Autumn is the season that attracts ticks towards bushy, wooded areas. This increases the risk of Lyme disease. This tick-borne disease can have serious health consequences, for both humans and animals. So it's important to be aware of the behaviors and situations that might put you at risk.
Here are five ways you might unknowingly increase your chances of contracting Lyme disease this summer.
Skipping Protective Clothing
Ticks are often found in tall grass, wooded areas, and leaf piles, and they can easily latch onto exposed skin. It’s unrealistic and uncomfortable to wear long sleeves in the summer, however, wearing protective clothing is one of the best ways to prevent tick bites. You can choose breathable fabrics like cotton for your shirts/tops to keep you cool and protected. Opt for light-colored clothing to make it easier to spot ticks and tuck your pants into your socks or boots to obstruct ticks and other insects.
Tip: Consider treating your clothing and your dog’s collar with permethrin, an insect repellent that can kill ticks on contact.
Ignoring Tick-Infested Areas
Certain areas are more likely to attract ticks, especially those with dense vegetation, high humidity, and abundant wildlife. Walking through tall grass, leaf litter, or overgrown trails increases your chances of encountering ticks. Even your backyard could be a risk if it has overgrown bushes or piles of leaves.
Tip: Stick to the center of trails and avoid brushing against bushes or grass. Keep your yard well-maintained by mowing the lawn regularly and clearing out leaf litter.
Forgetting to Check for Ticks
After spending time outdoors, conducting a thorough tick check is essential. Ticks can be as small as a seed and may attach to hidden areas like the scalp, behind the ears, under the arms, and around the waist. A tick can transmit Lyme disease if it remains attached for 36-48 hours, so early detection is extremely important.
Tip: Perform a tick check immediately after returning indoors, and don’t forget to check your pets as well. Showering within two hours of outdoor activity can also help wash away unattached ticks.
Leaving Pets Unprotected
Pets, especially dogs, can bring ticks into your home, putting everyone at risk. Pets in wooded or grassy areas are particularly susceptible to tick bites. Pets can easily transfer diseases to humans.
Tip: Use veterinarian-recommended tick preventatives on your pets, such as tick collars, spot-on treatments, or oral medications. Regularly check your pets for ticks, especially around the ears, neck, and paws.
Not Using Tick Repellent
Skipping insect repellent is a common mistake that can significantly increase your risk of tick bites. DEET-based repellents are effective at keeping ticks at bay and should be applied to skin and clothing when spending time in tick-prone areas.
Tip: Apply repellent containing at least 20-30% DEET to exposed skin and reapply as directed. For those who prefer natural alternatives, the oil of lemon eucalyptus can also offer protection, though it may require more frequent application.
What to do if you come across more than a couple of ticks in your house?
In such cases, it is best to contact a tick professional service. One such expert at tick removal is RidAway. It is EPA-approved, state-licensed, and industry-certified, and guarantees 100% tick removal.
For a quick solution to an urgent intrusion, RidAway is ready to come to your rescue.
