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Ticks, Hiking

Recently, a close friend sat on the grass watching  her granddaughter play baseball. Several days later she became extremely ill. She had a tick lodged in the middle of her back which she could not see. She wasn’t hiking in the woods and sat on a blanket to watch the game..A quick trip to the emergency room and treatments later she is fine. But, the danger of ticks remains very much a concern. Pulling from  previous articles in the Farmers’ Almanac and from the Maine Department of Heath website, here are the things you want to know about ticks:

  * Wear light colored clothing so you can see ticks.

  * Wear long pants and shirts when hiking. Tuck the pants into the socks to “tick proof” your skin.

  * Use tick repellent - spray skin and clothing.

  * After hiking, shower and inspect for any possible ticks. Carefully check your child’s skin top to bottom.

  * As you put clothes into the washing machine, see if any ticks are hidden in the fabric.

  * If you do find a tick, remove with a pair of tweezers - don’t use your fingers.

  * If a tick is on you and is now removed, save it in case you become ill.

Sounds horrible. I have hiked all my life. I even spent 18 summers at a children’s camp and have never seen a tick. But, as the deer population grows, it is smart to be weary of these little critters.  For additional information check our website - www.farmersalmanac.com/natural_cures/a/timely-tips-about-ticks