As the weather gets warmer and people start working on their lawns and gardens we need to remember ticks. Ticks tend to be found in wooded areas, areas of tall grass, brush and undergrowth. However, they can be found wherever there is grass.
Be sure to look carefully for ticks when you come indoors. Ticks like warm, moist areas like armpits, groin and the scalp. If you find a tick be sure to remove it by grabbing at the base fo the tick and pulling upward. Do not squeeze, burn or kill the tick prior to removal. Tick Twisters are available to purchase. Deet-free bug repellent, containing icardin 20%, can provide 12 hours of protection from ticks (as well as 12 hors from mosquitos and 10 hours from black flies).
Ticks can spread Lyme disease. It takes at least 24 hours, likely closer to 36 to 48 hours, for a tick to transmit Lyme disease to a person. This is why doing a tick check after being outdoors is so important for prevention.
Early symptoms of Lyme disease:
- fever
- body aches
- bull’s-eye rash
If you find a tick that may have been attached for over 24 hours, or have the above symptoms, please call your physician.
Although these symptoms do not mean that you have Lyme disease, the earlier treatment is started, the more likely a complete cure is possible.
Call your pharmacist today if you have any questions.
