Dealing with Ticks

Summer means more time outside — hiking, gardening, mowing, clearing brush, and spending long days working in the yard. Unfortunately, it also means peak tick season and this year we’ve already been seeing plenty of them.

If you spend enough time outdoors, chances are you’ll eventually find a tick attached. When that happens, knowing how to remove it properly can make a big difference. One of the biggest misconceptions people have is using old home remedies to remove a tick. You may have heard suggestions like using a match, covering it in petroleum jelly, nail polish, soap, or other methods meant to “smother” the tick. The problem is these methods can actually cause the tick to become stressed, increasing the chance it releases bacteria back into the bite before letting go, which is exactly what you want to avoid.

The safest way to remove a tick is with a pair of fine-tipped tweezers. Grab the tick as close to the skin as possible, right where the mouthparts enter the skin, and pull straight upward with steady pressure. Don’t twist or jerk it. Ticks hold on tightly, but with consistent pressure they usually release within a few seconds. Once removed, clean the area thoroughly with soap and water or rubbing alcohol.

Here’s a step many people overlook, don’t throw the tick away. Instead, place it on an index card or seal it with clear tape and write down the date and where on your body you found it. If you begin experiencing symptoms over the next few weeks, like fever, rash, joint pain, fatigue, or flu-like symptoms that seem unusual, having that tick can provide valuable information for medical professionals.

It’s also important to monitor how long the tick may have been attached. If the tick appears swollen or engorged and you suspect it was attached for more than 24 hours, contact a medical professional as soon as possible. Early treatment can significantly reduce the chances of contracting illnesses like Lyme disease.

Whether you’re maintaining your property, clearing invasive plants, or spending weekends in the yard, we encourage you to stay alert this time of year.