When you spend time outside, there’s always a chance that pests will find you. Ticks are particularly worrisome because of their bites. Whether you are hanging out in your backyard, going camping, or visiting a park, you’ll want to protect yourself from these pests. We’ve made a list of tips to help you keep ticks off of you.
Tick-Proof Your Yard
To avoid ticks, you’ll want to make your yard as unwelcoming as possible to them. Removing potential attractants can help to deter these pests.
- Ticks hide in tall grass and dense vegetation, so keep your lawn and plants trimmed.
- Remove potential sheltering spots including piles of leaves, branches, and grass clippings.
- Ticks prefer damp environments, so minimize moisture build-up in your outdoor space.
- Place woodchips or gravel between your lawn and wooded areas to make it harder for ticks to move into your yard.
- Fences can keep tick-infested wildlife out of your yard.
- Spray your yard with a plant-based insecticide spray like our Mosquito & Tick Killer. It kills ticks on contact and provides residual repellency, helping to deter ticks from settling down in your yard.
Cover Up
When going outdoors, it’s best to minimize the skin that’s exposed. When possible, opt for long sleeved-shirts, pants, and socks. Tucking your pants into your socks can provide better protection. Wearing boots or hiking shoes is also helpful. Wearing lighter colors will make it easier to spot any ticks crawling on you. You can also choose to wear clothing that’s pre-treated for ticks.
Stick to the Path
Going on a hike is a great way to explore nature. However, if you want to stay away from ticks, you’ll want to stick to the path and stay in the center of the trail. This will help you to avoid brushing up against shrubs, plants, or grass where ticks could be hiding. It’s also best to avoid walking through any leaf litter you come across.
Use a Tick Repellent
Applying a tick repellent can help to protect you from these pests. Our Natural Insect Repellent repels ticks, mosquitoes, and flies. It contains plant essential oils and is DEET-free. After spraying the repellent, you can work it into the skin by hand for maximum protection. Our Natural Insect Repellent can be applied every two hours or as needed.
Protect Your Pets
Ticks aren’t just a problem for you, they can also bug your pets. Anytime your pets go outdoors, you’ll want to check them for ticks. Giving your pets regular baths will make it easier to spot these pests. You can also contact your pet’s veterinarian to discuss preventative treatment options. They will be able to help you find the best solution for your furry friend.
Check for Ticks
After spending time outside, you’ll want to check for ticks. These pests are often seen under arms, in belly buttons, between legs, behind knees, in hair and around hairlines, and in or around ears. Don’t forget to keep an eye on your furry family members. On pets, ticks are likely to be found on their paws and legs, around eyelids, in and around ears, on their tail, and under their collar.
How to Remove Ticks
If you notice a tick on you or your pet, you’ll want to remove it quickly but carefully. Check out a few tips to safely remove these pests.
- Using a pair of fine-tipped tweezers, grasp the tick as close to the skin as possible.
- Carefully, pull upward without jerking or twisting the tweezers.
- Once the tick is removed, flush it down the toilet or place it in alcohol.
- Never crush a tick.
- Clean the bite area and wash your hands with soap and water.
- Consider washing the clothes you are wearing in hot water and drying on a high heat setting to kill ticks.
Ticks shouldn’t force you to stay inside. Being prepared can help you avoid a run-in with these pests. If you’re dealing with a pest problem, we have your back! Check out our Maggie’s Farm Simply Effective™ Pest Control products for a more environmentally and family-friendly solution.