By Tiffany Giesler, RN, Director/Health Officer
Mild winter weather means that some ticks, especially deer ticks, may be active earlier than usual this year. Deer ticks are known to carry many diseases that can be transmitted to people and animals, including Lyme disease. It is never too early to be ready for ticks. Make plans now to protect yourself, yard, and pets against ticks. Follow these tips:
- Perform full-body tick checks after being outdoors in areas where ticks may be present. This could include your own yard. Check yourself and family members every day after being outdoors where ticks may be present. Don’t forget to check your scalp, behind your ears, armpits, and between your toes. Ticks love warm and moist areas, so give those places extra attention.
- Apply insect repellent on exposed skin and clothing before going outside.
- Avoid direct contact with ticks by walking in the center of trails.
- Take a bath or shower within two hours after coming inside. This helps you find and wash off any ticks on your body.
- Dry clothes on high heat for 10 minutes after being outside. Heat from drying kills any ticks attached to your clothing.
- Talk to your pet’s veterinarian about using a tick preventative to protect your pets.
Visit https://www.dhs.wisconsin.gov/tick/bite-prevention.htm for more information and follow the Monroe County Health Department Facebook or Instagram page.