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Don’t Panic (Even If I Did)
I wish I could say I stayed calm when I found that tick, but that would be a lie. I freaked out. But ideally, you should try to stay calm and act quickly. The longer the tick is attached, the more likely it is to transmit something nasty.
Use fine-tipped tweezers to remove the tick gently. Grab it as close to your skin as possible and pull it out slowly—don’t twist or yank it, or the mouthparts might break off.
Afterward, clean the area with soap and water or rubbing alcohol. And do not crush the tick with your fingers unless you want a bunch of gross pathogens on your hands (ugh).
Save the Tick and Watch the Spot
Here’s a mistake I almost made: tossing the tick far, far away. But no—capture it! Tape it to a card or seal it in a container so your doctor can see it if needed. Also, write down the date and where on your body the tick was attached.
Keep an eye on the spot for the next few weeks. Watch for a rash, redness, fatigue, fever, or muscle aches. If anything weird shows up, don’t wait—call your doctor immediately. And yes, I may be a nervous wreck, but that doesn’t mean the advice is wrong!
Preventing Future Tick Terrors
If you’re headed outdoors where ticks like to hang out, take precautions. Wear long sleeves, tuck pants into socks (fashion fail, but worth it), and use repellents with DEET, permethrin, or picaridin. After returning indoors, thoroughly check yourself, your kids, and your pets.
To tick-proof your yard, keep the grass short, clear out fallen branches and brush, and create a barrier—like gravel or wood chips—between your lawn and wooded areas.
If they’re really bad in your area (which they usually are), consider treating your yard with pesticide. My husband and I are planning to do that soon.
Please Head On keep on Reading (>)
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