Nature
is the home to an incredibly versatile array of species, but ticks are
definitely one of those that we tend to avoid at all costs.
These
tiny arachnids, that are related to spiders, mites, and scorpions, are in fact
parasites that survive by attaching themselves to larger animals and feeding on
their blood. Humans aren’t spared either. Sadly, these insects carry harmful
bacteria that can spread disease to people.
Sadly,
tick-borne diseases are at an all-time high, with about 50,000 cases
reported each year, and far more going unreported.
There
are different types of ticks, and unfortunately, they sometimes find their way
to people’s homes. The types most commonly found in homes are the black-legged
tick, the dog tick, and the brown dog tick.
- Black-legged Ticks – known as deer
ticks, these ticks are typically brown or black in color and have a flattened,
oval-shaped body. They are commonly found in wooded areas and can transmit Lyme
disease.
- Dog Ticks are larger
and can range in color from brown to reddish-brown. They have a tough, shield-shaped
body. Dog ticks can transmit diseases such as Rocky Mountain spotted fever.
- Brown Dog Ticks are brown
in color and have a slender body.
Although
the tick season is between March and October, or sometimes longer, we should be
wary of this insects all year round. In fact,if beaten by a tick, a person can
develop symptoms even after two or three months.
The
bite itself isn’t painful and can cause swelling, itchiness, blistering, and
bruising. The bad thing is that ticks also carry and transmit severe diseases,
most commonly Lyme disease, as well as Rocky Mountain spotted fever,
ehrlichiosis, and babesiosis.
Initially,
Lyme disease develops as a circular red ‘bull’s eye’ rash around the site of a
tick bite. However, not everyone gets a rash and you should also watch out for
a flu-like illness with fever, headache, tiredness and general aches and
pains.
The
best way to prevent being bitten by a tick is to avoid tall grasses and areas
where ticks thrive (such as moorlands and woodlands), especially during the
warmer months.
In
case you do get bitten, you should remove the tick as soon as possible in order
to prevent infections.
These
are some of the ways of safe removal.
1. Use fine-tipped tweezers: Use clean,
fine-tipped tweezers to grasp the tick as close to the skin as possible.
2. Pull gently: Apply steady
upward pressure, being careful not to squeeze or crush the tick. Aim to remove
the tick in one smooth motion without twisting or jerking. Twisting or jerking
can cause the tick’s head to break off and stay inside the skin, where it can
still transmit disease.
3. Clean the area: After
removing the tick, clean the affected area with soap and water or an antiseptic
solution. Monitor the site of the bite for any signs of infection or a rash,
and consult a healthcare professional if necessary.
If
by any chance ticks find their way into your home, take immediate action in
order to prevent infestation. Most times, ticks are brought into your home in
case they stick on your clothes or onto your pets.
1. Isolate the area: If you have
identified the presence of ticks in a specific area, keep pets and children
away from that space.
2. Wear protective gear: Put on
gloves and a long-sleeved shirt to protect yourself from potential tick bites.
3. Clean the area: Clean the
area where you found the tick. If it is in bedding, wash the sheets. Inspect
the area to ensure there are no more ticks that are present. Dispose of the
tick by either flushing it down the toilet or sealing it in a container or
ziplock bag before placing it in the trash.
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