How to keep yourself safe from ticks

Abell Pest Control Tick

Ticks may be tiny, but they can pose serious health risks. These blood-feeding parasites often go unnoticed and can carry diseases like Lyme disease and other infections. Knowing how to prevent bites and what to do if you find one is essential, especially during warm weather months.

What Are Ticks?

Ticks are small arachnids that attach to animals and humans to feed on blood. Their bites are usually painless, making them hard to detect. Some ticks carry bacteria and viruses that can cause serious illnesses.

Where They Hide

Ticks are commonly found in:

  • Tall grass and weeds
  • Leaf piles and forest floors
  • Shrubs and low branches
  • Damp, shady areas

How to Avoid Tick Bites

  • Wear long sleeves and tuck your pants into your socks
  • Use insect repellent with DEET
  • Stay on trails and out of dense brush

Tick Check Tips

After being outdoors:

  • Check your entire body, including behind your knees, ears, and scalp
  • Inspect pets and clothing carefully
  • Wash clothes in hot water to kill hidden ticks

What to Do If You Find a Tick

  • Use tweezers to grab the tick as close to the skin as possible, ideally right at the head.
  • Slide the tweezers gently against your skin, positioning them under the body of the tick and close to the mouthparts.
  • Pull the tick upward and away from your body in a smooth, steady motion. Avoid twisting or jerking.
  • Do not squeeze or crush the tick’s body and never hit or burn it; this can cause infected fluids to enter the bite.
  • Clean the bite area thoroughly with soap and antiseptic.
  • Send the tick for Lyme disease testing to be safe. You can search online or contact your local health department or university extension office to find out where to send ticks for testing in your area.
  • Watch for symptoms such as rash, fever, fatigue, or joint pain, and seek medical attention if they appear.

Keep Your Yard Tick-Free

  • Mow regularly and trim bushes
  • Remove leaf piles and tall weeds
  • Keep firewood stacked neatly and away from the house
  • Consider professional pest control if ticks are a recurring issue

With a few simple habits and regular checks, you can stay safe and reduce the risk of tick bites for yourself, your family, and your pets.


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About the author:

Abell Pest Control is a family owned Canadian company dedicated to providing effective, professional and courteous service in pest management.Started in 1924 with one office, Abell now employs several hundred people with branch offices across Canada and the United States.

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