Ticks are parasites that feed on warm-blooded hosts by biting them. While being outdoors can increase your risk of tick bites, these pests can also invade properties. To keep yourself safe from ticks, it’s a good idea to implement Connecticut tick control measures. A tick bite can infect humans and animals with bacteria and viruses that can cause debilitating diseases. Some of these conditions can be very serious and may include:
- Lyme disease
- Powassan virus
- Ehrlichiosis
- Rocky Mountain spotted fever
- Anaplasmosis
- Babesiosis
How can I lower my risk of getting infected by a tick bite?
If you are spending a lot of time outdoors, especially in heavily wooded areas of Connecticut, it is imperative to follow a few basic steps to protect yourself from ticks and the diseases they can potentially transmit. We have included a few precautions you can take below.
- Wear long-sleeved shirts and pants that are light-colored. It will help to tuck your pants into your socks, so ticks cannot access your skin.
- When hiking remain near the center of the trails. Keep your lawn consistently mowed
- Use insect repellents with 20% or more of DEET on clothing and skin areas.
- When returning from the outside, do a thorough tick check, including hair, body folds and legs, waistline, between your legs, in or behind ears, underarms and your back.
- Perform a thorough tick check on your dog or cat. .
- Place your clothing in a hot dryer for 15 minutes will kill effectively the ticks.
- You should take a shower after you have been on hikes or spending time in your yard
