Tips on Ticks
Spending time outdoors in the warmer weather in wooded areas or walking in long grass is great, but be aware of the irritating insects called Ticks that are around from the months of May to June.
A tick is a small insect that can attach to you if you brush past a bush, grass or plants. It is possible if you have been outdoors for ticks to end up on your skin and begin to burrow into your body and suck your blood and you may not even notice it. Ticks can be hard to see, but also are fairly big and love hair and warm areas of your body. In addition they can cause various health problems from harmless to serious.
Though most ticks do not carry diseases, some ticks can carry bacteria that can cause potentially serious illnesses such as - Colorado tick fever, Lyme disease and Rocky Mountain Fever.
Do ensure you take precautions if spending time outdoors and wear light coloured clothes, a hat, and long trousers tucked into socks. Avoid where possible hiking in long grass and piles of leaves and try to keep to pathway
Check yourself all over when you return from outdoors. If you find a tick beginning to burrow use tweezers and grip it close to its head and slowly and carefully pull it out. Take your time as it is possible to leave the head in the skin and this is where health problems can start. Wash yourself completely. It is a good idea to keep the tick in a jar for a week or so just in case you show signs of becoming ill. Symptoms of Tick-borne disease include chills, fever, aches, pains and a rash. If you notice any of these see a doctor and take the tick with you.
Cats and dogs are also prone to tick bites when outdoors and can bring ticks with them back indoors. However, treatment is available from your vet and they will be able to inform you of the best way to protect your pet.