We’re entering the season when ticks come out, and it’s important to be aware of your environment while outdoors. Ticks can transmit a number of potentially harmful germs, including those that cause Lyme disease.
The ground is thawing, the weather’s getting warmer, and you’re not the only one ready to enjoy the outdoors -- ticks are starting to emerge.
“They will be looking for their first blood meal of the season,” says Dr. Bobbi Pritt, a pathologist and clinical microbiologist.
Dr. Pritt said that ticks will be active from now through fall, with peak times in June and July. The more humid and warm the climate, the more likely you are to encounter one of these parasites, which can spread potentially dangerous diseases.
“Some of these pathogens can be transmitted quite quickly, so you want to avoid tick bites at all costs,” she warns.
To prevent bites, spray tick repellent on exposed skin. Dr. Pritt recommends repellents containing DEET, keratin, or lemon eucalyptus. Additionally, wearing long sleeves and pants can help, especially if you tuck your pants into your socks to prevent ticks from crawling up your legs.
Treating clothing and gear with permethrin can kill ticks on contact. It’s also essential to conduct frequent tick checks on both people and pets.
“If you find a tick, don’t panic. If the tick is embedded, you just want to remove it as quickly as possible,” Dr. Pritt advises.
To safely remove a tick, use fine-tip tweezers to grasp the tick as close as possible to the skin at a 45-degree angle. Pull the tick out slowly in one motion, avoiding any squeezing.
“You don’t want to use any of those folk remedies that may damage the tick, like touching it with a match or putting petroleum jelly on it. That might actually increase the risk of infection, and it might hurt you,” Dr. Pritt cautions.
Related: Everything you need to know about ticks in Michigan
