The spread of ticks is as real as it can be, and although you might be tempted to say that the little parasitic insects are harmless, we must not forget that they are able to spread Lyme disease. Once left untreated, Lyme can even cause issues for the nervous system, although it initially makes the patient manifest flu-like symptoms.
Learning how to stay as far from ticks as possible is a “must”, and thanks to the WELL + GOOD publication, we have five ways to do that according to entomologists:
1. Use insect repellants
Tom Mascari, PhD, and an entomologist with SC Johnson, said as quoted by WELL + GOOD:
For ticks, I always recommend that my friends and family look for a personal insect repellent product like OFF! that either contains active ingredients DEET or picaridin,
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Protection recommends using an insect repellent that contains 20 percent or more of DEET on exposed skin and/or clothing for protection.
2. Choose proper clothing
There’s no need to be the reincarnation of Nikola Tesla to figure out what “proper clothing” can mean in this case. If you’re in an area where there might be ticks, such as tall grass, wooded areas, and so on, you can simply put on some long pants and long-sleeved shirts.
3. Keep the pace with yard maintenance
If you have actual lawn, the recommendation is to keep it mowed as often as possible and also trim the tall grass, bushes, and small trees.
4. Put a barrier for them nasty ticks!
Luckily enough, ticks can’t jump, and you can use that to your advantage. Therefore, you should add a three-foot band of mulch or gravel between any woodsy area and your lawn.
5. Watch out for animals that can carry ticks!
Field mice, small rodents, deers, opossums, raccoons, and foxes can all carry ticks, and you should discourage them from entering your yard. Treating your pets for ticks using special products is also a good idea.
Feel free to tell us in the comment section about your own experiences when it comes to ticks!
