How To Avoid Deer Tick Bites This Spring

April 12, 2017

In: Biting Insects

You may have noticed that we had a mild winter this year. While it was certainly nice to not deal with long weeks of brutal cold and several feet of snow, that mild winter had an effect on the deer tick populations. We may not like it when it gets really cold outside, but cold weather kills ticks and reduces tick populations. Mild weather and mild winters lead to a bumper crop of ticks in the spring, which increases tick bites and cases of tick-borne diseases, such as Lyme disease, which deer ticks are a vector. That is why it is especially important to take measures to prevent tick bites this year.

Tick Tips

• It may look silly, but tucking your pants into your socks can prevent tick bites. If you're going to be in an area where there is high grass or vegetation, consider looking a little silly to keep ticks from having quick access to your skin. Ticks don't spring onto us, and they don't fall down on us from the trees. They must wait on grass and other vegetation to cling onto us as we pass by. Once on us, it is important that they aren't able to quickly get under our pant legs. Make those ticks work for their meal.

• It is also important to wear bright colored clothing. Deer ticks are tiny. Having a bright color behind them helps to see them better when they are climbing up our pants or our shirts.

• Sometimes it is just too hot to wear pants. If you're going to be out with shorts on, consider using an insect repellent on your legs to deter ticks. Repellent that prevents mosquito bites also works to stop ticks. Find a repellent that has 100% DEET, for the greatest protection. If you don't want to spray chemicals on your legs, consider a repellent with oil of lemon eucalyptus.

• The best way to avoid deer tick bites is to avoid going into grassy places. If you don't go out, you can't get tick bites, right? Well, not exactly. While it is definitely good to avoid grassy areas, sometimes ticks make their way into our homes. They can do this on dogs and cats, but also infesting mice, rats and squirrels. Ongoing pest service from a professional is the best way to protect your pets and keep infesting rodents out of your home.

If you need assistance preventing deer tick bites, and you are in our service area, reach out to the Good Guys here at American Pest Solutions. In the war against dangerous pests--like the deer tick--we're the Good Guys.