Reducing the risk of tick bites on humans requires more than just a post-hike body scan or using prescribed flea and tick medicines on pets. Fortunately, there are time-tested strategies can certainly help. For starters, it is important to understand what contributes to tick infestation, as well as additional methods for tick bite prevention and treatment are essential. Additionally, property owners can further safeguard the members of their household by scheduling routine tick extermination and prevention services with expert pest control providers like Eliminate ‘Em. To help, this guide addresses several frequently asked questions about tick bites on humans and treatments in the event of a tick bite.
What conditions increase the potential for tick bites on humans?
In the U.S. and across the world, tick populations have been growing in numbers and expanding their presence. Due to climate change, the warmer, more humid conditions in which ticks can thrive have also become greater in number and last longer. Regarding the potential for ticks in your yard or in your home, the following factors may increase the presence of ticks and thus the risk of tick bites on humans in either area:
- Deer, birds and other wildlife may be enjoyable to watch as they frolic nearby, but these animals can also bring ticks into your space.
- Weak seals and even the smallest entry points can welcome ticks into the home. Some ticks can even live their entire lives indoors.
- Yard maintenance takes work and may be less preferable than a local beach or lake on those beautiful summer days. However, neglected or overgrown grass, bushes and gardens can create appealing conditions for tick infestations.
- The pile of logs on your property may have been meant for evenings around the fire with friends and family. Unfortunately, wood deterioration and susceptibility to rot is inviting to ticks as well as many other pests like rodents.
How can tick bites on humans and pets be prevented?
Although not all tick bites on humans result in disease transmission, infections from some bites take only minutes to transfer. Addressing the conditions that can result in tick population increases is one way to prevent ticks from attaching themselves to humans or pets in the household. Basic prevention strategies like checking the body after being outside and use of repellents and essential oils contribute to tick bite prevention but only if executed consistently, in a timely manner and/or as directed. Professional tick prevention can further help reduce the risk of tick bites inside and outside of the home.
Why is tick bite treatment necessary?
In addition to concerns about contracting Lyme disease or Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever from tick bites, there are also a number of new tick diseases on rise, including Powassan virus, Babesiosis and Wetland virus. Immediate tick bite treatment is necessary because it helps reduce the risk of disease transmission and better supports quicker follow-up medical care, if needed. In short, both on-the-spot action when ticks or tick bites are found on humans, as well as tick bite treatments provided by medical professionals, can help reduce the potential for more severe conditions.
What signs indicate the need for tick bite treatment?
Tick bites on humans can be tricky to identify because they may be confused for other bug bites, as many pest bites cause some swelling or redness on the skin. Additionally, these bites may not even be felt when they happen. However, finding a tick still attached to a part of the body is a clear sign that tick bite treatment is needed.
If you have just removed the tick that bit you or otherwise suspect a tick bite, here is an overview of next steps in tick bite treatment, according to the Mayo Clinic:
- Take a picture of the tick or bring the actual tick to the doctor with you. Identification plays an important role in determining any potential tick disease transmission as well as the necessary tick bite treatment plan. If the tick is still attached and can’t be removed, seek medical attention immediately.
- If tick bites on humans are followed by symptoms like severe headache, difficulty breathing and other significant bodily changes, contact 911.
- If a tick bite becomes a larger rash or if a rash appears elsewhere on the body, it’s time to see a doctor. Similarly, if a bite is followed by flu-like feelings or looks infected, get medical help now.
With tick populations and new diseases on the rise, reducing the risk of tick bites on humans is more important than ever. For some tick-borne illnesses, tick bite treatment options are limited or unavailable, so avoiding ticks entirely is the best possible defense. For professional pest control and prevention, Eliminate ‘Em is here to help you protect yourself and your loved ones against ticks. In addition to the option for 24/7 same day service, tick control or other extermination needs can be arranged by contacting us today.
