I was recently reminded by our vet that the tick season is well under way and this year promises to be a good one for the critters.
While tick prevention is essential year-round, it is smart to take extra precaution during the summer.
Each year, approximately 300,000 people in the US contract Lyme disease, which is caused by bacteria from a tick bite. I received the following advice from Julius Miles of Sierra Pacific Mortgage to keep humans, pets, and properties safe:
Wear protective clothing Conceal ankles and feet with long socks and closed shoes. Tuck in shirts and pull socks up and over pant bottoms.
Assess outdoor spaces Ticks live in humid environments, particularly wooded or grassy areas. Mow lawns frequently, keep leaves raked, and clear brush, weeds, and debris. A barrier of cedar mulch or gravel between lawns and overgrowth can restrict tick migration. Fencing can discourage unwelcome wildlife from entering a yard.
Apply repellents & conduct checks Repellents can protect for several hours. Always follow product instructions. A guide to child-safe repellents can be found at HealthyChildren.org.
Last, inspect for ticks upon returning inside (check scalp, behind ears, around neck, under arms—and pets as well). For more information, visit CDC.gov/Ticks.