As the weather gets warmer, we all start spending more time outdoors enjoying the sunshine and fresh air. But along with the warmer weather comes an increased risk of being bitten by ticks.
Ticks are small, parasitic insects that feed on the blood of animals and humans. They are found in wooded or grassy areas, and can attach themselves to you when you brush past them.
Tick bites usually aren’t harmful, but in some cases they can transmit diseases like Lyme disease, Rocky Mountain spotted fever, or tularemia.
So how can you protect yourself from tick bites?
There are a few simple steps you can take:
Wear long pants and long-sleeved shirts when you’re in areas where ticks are common.
Tuck your pants into your socks so that ticks can’t crawl up the inside of your pant leg.
Wear light-colored clothing so that ticks are easier to spot.
Use an insect repellent that contains at least 20% DEET.
Check your body for ticks after you’ve been in an area where they’re common. Be sure to check under your arms, in your hair!
