Anyone that enjoys the outdoors knows the existence of ticks and fleas. But it is also important to know how to avoid tick and flea bites. Ticks have a single body with eight legs. They will embed themselves into a person skin and become attached. Ticks carry diseases so, it is important to avoid them if all possible. If you are bitten by a tick and it has the appearance of a bull’s eye, even if you do not have any other symptoms; it is imperative to get to a health care provider as soon as possible. Tick diseases can be treated with antibiotics; however, there are ways to avoid tick bites altogether.
Use insect repellent. Individuals can purchase a tick insect repellent. The repellent with DEET is the most effective product. This repellent is usually color and odorless. It may feel a little oily, but it is one of the most best ways to keep ticks away.
Try wearing long sleeves and long pants.Wearing long sleeves and pants can prevent ticks from getting on your skin and attaching themselves quickly. Make sure you tuck your pants legs into your socks. Insect repellent clothes are also available for purchase. People who love to work out in their gardens or lawns have found these clothes to be quite effective.
Wear light clothing when possible.Ticks can become more visible on light colored clothing, because ticks are usually dark in color.
Inspect yourself and children for ticks.Before coming from the outside make sure you inspect yourself all over to make sure ticks have not attached to your clothing. When coming inside remove all your clothing and put them in a special pile away from your other clothes. Check your body all over for ticks. Look for small dark areas that may resemble a mole, or dark spot.
Avoid grassy areas.If at all possible avoid high grassy areas where ticks may be thriving in number. Ticks are usually out during the months of April through September.
Fleas can be a real nuisance just like ticks. They can bite humans and animals. If you are a person that has pets in your home, you will have to treat your pet as well as your home for fleas.
Purchase a flea collar for your pet.This will help eliminate some of the problem. You can also buy medication to treat your dog for fleas during their bath.
Buy bug bombs your home. If you have noticed fleas inside your home, the quick method to get rid of them is to buy a bug bombing agent and set if off in your home.
Keep carpets vacuumed on a daily basis.Keeping your carpets vacuumed on a daily basis can cut down on the fleas in your home. These pesky bugs often hitch rides into your home on pets, shoes and article of clothing.
Do not allow pets on your bed or furniture.To avoid having fleas in your bed, or on your lounging furniture. This will keep you from being bit while lying down, or sitting in your furniture.
References:
http://www.cdc.gov/Features/StopTicks/
http://www.beyondfleas.com/flea-bites
