What you need to know about ticks.
(Mirror Daily, United States) – Health officials and a lot of American citizens are concerned about the danger posed by the disease-carrying ticks which can transmit Lyme disease.
People who prefer spending some quality time in wooded areas must be careful because that is the ideal environment where these insects might wait for them.
These tiny parasites feed on blood. Besides Lyme disease, these little insects can carry a large variety of infections, so people must follow the safety guidelines in order avoid getting bitten by them.
These insects are divided into deer ticks and wood ticks. The wood ones are larger than the others as they are as big as a watermelon seed. Also, they can transmit the Rocky Mountain spotted fever, a type of infection but not as dangerous as Lyme disease.
On the other hand, deer ticks are like apple seeds and they are the ones that can transmit the deadly disease. Around two percent of the people who are bitten by these insects get infected with the virus.
Authorities strongly recommend people to use protective clothing, such as long-sleeved pants and shirts, to deal with these parasites. The pants must be tucked into the socks to make sure that the insects do not get under your pants.
An excellent insect repellent with 30 percent DEET will keep the ticks away as well. Customers should read the label of the product to learn the instructions and to make sure that they are safe for children. A good product usually lasts for six hours, and it should be reapplied if people spend more time outside.
Clothes can also be treated with a chemical and medicine which is an excellent repellent, known as Permethrin. This medicine is so strong and efficient because it can last up to six washings or six weeks on the clothes. You can use it on tents and sleeping bags as well, as long as you stick to the instructions from the label.
The tick bite is painless, so people should thoroughly check their skin for any signs of insects. For example, ticks prefer hiding in hair, armpits, between legs, behind knees, inside belly buttons, and the ears.
These insects will transmit Lyme disease after 24 hours, so spotting it early will significantly reduce the risk of getting infected. If you find a tick on your skin, do not use alcohol to remove it because that can make the thick throw up over the bite so there will be a higher risk to get infected.
Wood ticks can be removed using a pair of tweezers, whereas deer ones can be removed with the edge of a credit card or a fingernail. Make sure that you don’t crush or twist the tick because its head might remain attached to your skin.
Image Source:Veo Verde