The Top 5 Facts About Ticks You Need to Know
They’re small, they’re gross, and they can cause all sorts of nasty diseases. They’re ticks. Ticks can definitely be a problem especially if you work outside or enjoy camping. Lyme disease, in particular, is the most common vector-borne disease in America. The more you know, the better you can defend yourself. So let’s take a look at five facts you need to know about ticks.
Ticks are Active During the Winter
Most people associate ticks with the summertime. While that’s certainly their most active period, adult deer ticks can bite almost any time during the year. The only time these particular ticks aren’t active is when the temperature is below freezing. Being aware of this fact reduces the chance that you’ll be caught off guard when the weather’s cold.
A Pair of Tweezers is Your Best Friend
A quick search on the internet will show you all sorts of quirky ways to remove a tick. Some people recommend suffocating it with alcohol, vaseline, or nail polish. Unfortunately, these methods don’t work because a tick can survive a long time without oxygen.
A simple pair of tweezers is all you need. Be careful not to squeeze or pop it. Just grab it by the head as close to the skin as possible and pull up like you’re removing a splinter. Don’t worry, your body will work the mouthpiece out if it’s left behind. Make sure you save the tick so you can identify it later.
They Don’t Transmit Diseases Right Away
You’ll happy to know that ticks don’t transmit diseases instantaneously. Once a tick bites you, it’ll usually hang around for two or three days. After that, it will likely take at least 36 hours for you to be infected with Lyme disease. And even then, not all infected ticks will necessarily transmit the disease when it bites.
Of course, that doesn’t mean you should let your guard down. But odds are, it won’t infect you if you catch it within 24 hours.
They Can Make You Allergic to Meat
Tick-borne diseases such as Lyme disease and Rocky Mountain fever are fairly common knowledge. However, you might not know about alpha-gal syndrome, which is a disease that can make you allergic to red meat. This usually happens after a person has been bitten by a Lone Star tick, which is most common in the southeastern United States.
People who contract alpha-gal syndrome often start showing symptoms similar to food allergies such as hives and swelling. There is no treatment aside from avoiding red meat so be careful.
Tick Bites Can Be Prevented
Ticks are not fun to talk about, and it can be a scary subject. That said, there are things you can do to prevent tick bites. Wear long pants and clothes that are treated with insect repellant. Make sure you use insecticides. Treat your pets with tick repellants. And always shower and check for ticks whenever you come inside.
Naturally, treating your yard for ticks is a great way to prevent tick bites as well. Rove Pest Control has a great track record of getting rid of these little pests. Hire us to treat your yard, and we’ll make sure you and your family are protected.