Dealing with Tick Bites

Ticks are mites that are brown in color. They are also members of the arachnid family, whose other members are the scorpions and the spiders. Ticks attach themselves to the skin of their prey to be able to suck blood. There are various species of ticks and they can be located everywhere in the world. The most talked about kinds though are the deer ticks and the dog ticks.

Various Types of Ticks

According to Houston pest control, there are various types of ticks. The deer ticks measure as small as the head of a pin and is common in many areas in the United States. These ticks can unfortunately carry diseases like that of the Lyme disease. The dog ticks are very common, and can measure up to half an inch in length. Like the deer ticks, the dog ticks can also carry diseases, in particular the Rocky Mountain Spotted fever.

Dealing with a Tick Bite

What would a tick bite look like? A tick bite would usually be unperceived; you would most likely feel nothing when bitten. What you will notice though is the little redness around the site of the bite. If you’re bitten by a tick make sure to tell someone you think will know something about it, because ticks can carry diseases that they can pass on to human beings.

After playing or hiking in the woods, have someone check you for ticks, focus particularly in your scalp, neck, armpits, back and groin area. If a tick is discovered on you have it removed immediately. In removing ticks you can use tweezers. In taking out the tick, however, be sure to remove it one motion. Don’t cover it with petroleum jelly, nail polish, or rubbing alcohol it will not make it come out. If in pulling it out some parts of it are left behind, remove them by using sterile needle or pin. Once removed, put it in a container and bring it with you to the doctor.

How to avoid tick bites? You have to remember that ticks are very fond fo the shrubbery, because they want to be close to the ground to be able to jump on people or animals as they pass, hence you might want to avoid these places. Should it be impossible for you to do so, be sure to wear long sleeves and long pants and have the ends of your pants tucked safely in your socks. It would also be advisable to apply insect repellent containing ten to 30 percent DEET on your skin.

For more information about Houston pest control, visit http://bugco.org.