Tick Tips

The ticks that typically crop up in the summer months are the Lone Star tick, the American Dog tick, and the Black Legged tick - also known as the deer tick.  The deer tick is the only species known to carry Lyme disease.  Using correct insect repellent and searching for ticks after being outdoors will help reduce tick-related problems.

The following prevention and handling tips will help keep you protected:

• Wear pants, tucked into socks, then tape with duct tape.
• Twist the last layer of duct tape so the sticky side is up.  Ticks will get stuck to the adhesive and won't be able to travel any further.
• Check for ticks frequently if outdoors for long periods of time.  check closely for ticks on a return from outdor activity.  There s a 16-18 hour window before they release saliva that contains Lyme disease.
• To remove the tick, use sharp-pointed tweezers to grasp the tick close to the mouth parts, then gently pull the tick, along with the mouth parts, out.
• Pulling the tick off with fingers,or smothering the tick with gasoline or alsohol, shocks the tick' system which could make it release saliva before you get it out.
• Once the tick is out, wash the area and apply an antibiotic ointment to prevent secondary infection.