Tick Bites

Do tick bites concern you? On this page we will discuss ways of preventing them, how to correctly remove them and the tick bite symptoms you need to be aware of.

Ticks are most prevalent during the months of May through September in rural areas where there are grasses, brush and forests. They usually do not carry infectious diseases, and most do not cause health problems. Your pets can also carry them.

• Avoid shrubs and grassy areas during the summer months.
  
  
• Limit your time outdoors during the months of May through September.
  
  
• So you can spot ticks easily and be able to brush them off, wear light-colored clothing.
  
  
• Pants should be tucked into boots or socks.
  
  
• Check yourself, your children and pets if you were in a tick-prone area.
  
  
• Apply insect repellant. Deet repellant is the best, but use concentrations of 15% or less on children. Follow label instructions or consult with your doctor.
  
  
• Reapply Deet containing repellant in high infested areas. Reapply frequently. Follow label instructions.
  
• Permethrins repellants are for applying to your clothing, not your skin. Do not use this product on children's clothing.
  
  
• Treat your pets with flea and tick products.
  
  
• Check your pets daily for ticks.

• Use tweezers to grasp near the head or mouth of the tick closest to the skin. Gently pull the whole body straight out without twisting or crushing.
  
  
• After removing, try to seal the tick in a plastic bag or jar so it can be identified by your doctor.
  
  
• Wash your hands and the affected area with soap and water.
  
  
• If you are unable to completely remove the head, call your doctor.
  
  
• Do not try to burn, use petroleum jelly or rubbing alcohol to remove ticks. These methods do not work.

• Flu-like symptoms, such as stiff neck, muscle aches, fatigue, fever and headache.
  
  
• Light-skinned people(about 60%) notice a rash within days or weeks after being bitten that looks like a bullseye.
  
  
• Dark-skinned people could get a rash that looks like a bruise.
  
  
• The rash can start reddish in color with small bumps. It can be slightly raised or flat. It starts to expand out often with a clear center of normal colored skin. The rash can grow to cover the back or it could remain small, no bigger than a inch.

• Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever
  
  
• Colorado Tick Fever
  
  
• Relapsing Fever
  
  
• Tularemia
  
  
• Ehrlichiosis
  
  
• Babesiosis

• Fever
  
  
• Rash
  
  
• Stiff neck
  
  
• Muscle Aches
  
  
• Flu-like symptoms
  
  
• Swollen Lymph Nodes
  
  
• Joint pain and inflammation

• Severe headache
  
  
• Heart palpitations
  
  
• Chest pain
  
  
• Difficulty breathing
  
  
• Paralysis
  
  
• Anaphylaxis (severe allergic reaction)