Ticks: A Creepy Crawly Worth Avoiding

While spiders and snakes don’t faze me, ticks are another story. These tiny pests are not only unsettling but can also transmit dangerous diseases like Lyme disease and Rocky Mountain spotted fever.

If you encounter a tick, here’s what to do:

Identify and Isolate: Determine the tick type (black-legged, dog, or brown dog) and keep kids or pets away. Wear gloves and long sleeves to avoid contact.
Clean Thoroughly: Wash affected clothing and bedding on high heat and vacuum crevices and corners.
Remove Carefully: Use fine-tipped tweezers to grasp the tick close to the skin and pull upward steadily to avoid breaking off its head. Clean the bite with alcohol or soap and water. Dispose of the tick with alcohol or by flushing it.
Monitor the Bite: Keep an eye on the site and watch for symptoms in the bitten person.
Ticks may be tiny, but their impact is serious. Taking these steps can help protect you and your loved ones.