Tips: Preventing and removing ticks

By news@duluthnewstribune.com

October 11, 2010 at 11:00 PM

Prevention

Check and re-check for ticks when you are in tick-infested areas.

When in deer tick habitat, walk in the center of the trail to avoid picking up ticks from grass and brush.

Wear light-colored clothing so ticks will be more visible.

Create a barrier to ticks by tucking pants into socks or boots and tuck a long-sleeved shirt into pants.

Use a repellent containing DEET or permethrin and carefully follow the directions on the container.

After being outdoors in tick habitat, get out of your clothes immediately, do a complete body check, shower and vigorously towel dry. Wash your clothes immediately to avoid spreading ticks around your living area.

Pets should also be checked for ticks. Tick removal

The risk of getting a tick-borne disease is small if the tick is removed soon after it becomes attached. Deer ticks must remain attached one to two days to transmit Lyme disease, and about one day for other diseases.

Take precautions when in tick habitat, but don't panic if you find a deer tick on you. Not all ticks are infected, and prompt tick removal can prevent illness

Use tweezers to grasp the tick close to its mouth.

Gently and slowly pull the tick straight outward.

To avoid contact with the bacteria, if present, do not squeeze the tick's body.

Wash the area and apply an antiseptic to the bite.

Watch for early signs and symptoms of Lyme disease.

Tips: Preventing and removing ticks

Prevention Check and re-check for ticks when you are in tick-infested areas. When in deer tick habitat, walk in the center of the trail to avoid picking up ticks from grass and brush. Wear light-colored clothing so ticks will be more visible. Cre...