As the weather in Oklahoma is now leveling out into increasingly warmer days, ticks that were dormant throughout the winter are starting to become more active. Unfortunately, these ticks can carry a wide range of tick-borne diseases that can rival even the worst flu season. With the Oklahoma State Health Department issuing a warning to anyone near tall grass or low-hanging tree branches, here are some tips to help stay tick-free during this season.
Examine Your Environment
Ticks will usually be found in fairly specific areas that you can avoid. Ticks require moist or humid environments in order to survive, like grassy or wooded areas. These areas can often easily be identified as a potential tick harborage area.
When walking trails, it is important to stick to the center of the trail and avoid any tall grass or shrubbery that may be along the sides. Ticks will “quest” from this foliage to latch on to unsuspecting prey. Whenever possible, avoid walking through tall grass as well.
Use a Repellent
If you are planning a trip to an area that is suitable for tick populations, it is important to take necessary precautions. Permethrin is one of the most effective treatment options for clothing to provide the best support in avoiding contact with ticks. This is because permethrin kills ticks after contact with any treated clothing or camping gear you may have.
Though many have stopped using DEET because of news stories about the potential dangers of it. DEET repellents are among the most effective at keeping ticks from latching on to you for a blood meal. If you decide to use it, your repellent should contain 20% or more DEET for maximum effectiveness.
Thoroughly Check Yourself
Ticks may spend time on your clothing before finally finding skin to latch on to. For this reason, clothing should be removed as soon as possible to check for any stowaway ticks that may be on them. If ticks are found on the clothing they should be detached and discarded. Placing these clothes in the dryer on high heat for 10 minutes can help kill any ticks that may be hiding.
It is also important to shower within 2 hours of returning indoors to reduce the chances of contracting tick-borne diseases like Lyme Disease. Because you will be in the shower, this is a good time to perform a full-body tick check. Use a mirror to see hard to spot areas if needed.
Why Arrow Exterminators for Tick Control?
Contact Arrow Exterminators and our tick control experts will eliminate every one of these blood-sucking pests that is bothering you. We know you work hard to keep your home and family safe and we want to help you protect your home and family from these dangerous, disease-carrying pests.
