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As summer approaches, insects and rodents are starting to make themselves known during the warm months. Some insects, like ticks, can cause tick-borne illness. Learn how to protect yourself and your family this summer season from tick bites.
Know Where to Expect Ticks
Ticks love grassy and wooded areas. During the summer, people spend more time outside, increasing the risk of tick exposure.
Your first line of defense to protect yourself this summer is avoiding heavily wooded areas. Ticks cannot jump or fly, so they only latch on you or your pet when you are in close contact. If you enjoy hiking and camping during the summertime, stay in the middle trails and avoid sitting on the ground.
Look for dry areas away from the woods for picnics as well. Low-cut grass and sunlight reduce the risk of tick exposure.
Wear the Right Attire
If you know you live in an area that can increase your risk of tick exposure, proper clothing is your next line of defense.
Light-colored clothing makes it easier to spot them if they crawl on you. Long pants and long sleeves protect your skin from coming into contact with ticks. For added protection, tuck your pants into your socks, cutting off access to your legs.
Wearing boots or hiking shoes will protect your feet from tick bites as well.
Use Insect Repellent
For tick protection, use products with DEET or permethrin.
DEET repels ticks, and permethrin kills them. However, it is crucial to follow the directions on how to use these products.
To repel ticks with DEET, use a product with about 20 or 30 percent DEET in it. Spray it on your skin and clothes. Wash the areas of your body where you applied DEET as soon as you come back inside. Although it is safe to use on skin, avoid wearing the repellent for extended periods of time.
Products with about 0.5 percent of permethrin work for tick protection. However, do not use it on skin. Use permethrin to treat your clothes, hat, shoes and other clothing. The treatment will last up to six washes.
For more natural repellents, mix the essentials oils from rosemary, lemongrass, cedar, peppermint, thyme and geraniol. Since they are naturally occurring, it is safe to apply to the skin.
Ticks can spread illnesses, so it is crucial to protect you and your family this summer season. For more information on ways to protect yourself from tick bites, contact the experts at Worldwide Pest Control today. Our professionals are fully equipped to keep you and your loved ones safe during tick season.