When warm weather abounds, unfortunately so do ticks. These pesky little insects are easy to pick up in tall grass and shady moist areas at ground level. They will also cling to shrubs and brush looking to hitch a ride on an unsuspecting person or animal. They have also been known to be found in gardens, lawns and at the edge of woody areas.
There are more than 200,000 cases of Lyme Disease every year. It has been reported in all 50 states and about 25% of the reported cases are children.
Deer ticks carry the bacteria that causes Lyme disease. It is spread from their bite during warm weather months. Lyme disease requires a medical diagnosis. Symptoms may include flu-like symptoms, joint pain, a red rash in a circular bullseye pattern and weakness in the limbs.
Lyme disease is treatable by a medical professional. Most people are able to recover completely with antibiotic treatment. A small number of people will continue to have recurring symptoms from Lyme disease. Pain medications and other measures can be used to provide relief.
Easy ways to protect yourself from tick bites
- Cover up! Wear long sleeve white shirts in wooded areas to be able to see these pesky pests easily. Also wear pants or slacks when in an area possible infected with ticks
- Wear insect repellent when outside
- Perform regular checks on yourself, children and pets
- Stay on the trail! When running, hiking, cycling or exercising outside, stay on a well managed path or trail. Ticks aren’t as likely to hang out in sunny open spaces with little leaf matter
- Keep your lawn maintained.
- Remove plants from your yard that attract deer. These include apple, pear, cherry trees, rose bushes, rhododendrons, lilies and tulips
- Always take a shower after spending time outside in a potentially infested area. It takes usually 24 hours for a deer tick to begin feeding after arriving on the skin.
If you find an attached tick, remove it as soon as possible. It takes 36-48 hours before the Lyme disease bacterium can be transmitted.
Don’t let ticks ruin your summer fun! Take the simple steps listed above to stay safe and Lyme Disease free. In and Out Express Care cares about you!
