The mild winter and early summer-like weather may have you encountering more ticks as you spend extra time outdoors. Tick season typically occurs from May through October and can impact your health considerably. Door County Public Health Registered Nurse Marggie Moertl says ticks can carry many other diseases than the more-known Lyme Disease. She says you should be mindful as you hit the trails and outdoors this summer.
Moertl adds you should examine your body closely for any ticks after hiking or walking through tall grasses. If you find a tick on yourself, remove it immediately and observe the area you found it. The most common symptom of an infected tick is a circular, reddish rash that can lead to fever, sweats, chills, fatigue, headaches, as well as muscle and joint pain. Lyme disease and other similar infections can create lifetime issues. Moertl advises you to seek medical attention right away if you notice a rash on your skin where a tick was present. You can find tips on protecting yourself and your pets from ticks this summer below.
Tick bite prevention
- Use a chemical repellent with DEET, permethrin or picaridin.
- Wear light-colored protective clothing.
- Tuck pant legs into socks.
- Avoid tick-infested areas.
- Check yourself, your children, and your pets daily for ticks, and carefully remove any ticks.
