Summer is here, and with it comes backyard barbecues, hikes, gardening, and plenty of outdoor fun. But warmer months also mean an increase in tick activity. These tiny pests may be small, but they can carry serious diseases such as Lyme disease and Powassan virus, which can have lasting health consequences if left untreated. The good news? With a few precautions, you can significantly reduce your risk.
How to Stay Safe from Ticks
Ticks thrive in shady, moist areas. Common hiding spots include tall grass, leaf piles, stone walls, brush, and the edges of wooded areas. Your yard can become a tick haven if it’s not properly maintained. Here’s how to keep yourself, your loved ones, and pets protected:
Dress Appropriately
- Wear light-colored clothing to make spotting ticks easier.
- Opt for long sleeves and tuck your pants into socks when in tick-prone areas.
Use Repellent
- Apply EPA-approved tick repellents containing DEET or permethrin to clothing and exposed skin.
Perform Regular Checks
- After outdoor activities, thoroughly check your body, especially under arms, behind knees, around the hairline, and other hidden spots.
- Don’t forget to inspect your children and pets as well.
Protect Your Pets
- Use veterinarian-recommended tick collars, topical treatments, or oral medications to keep pets safe.
Maintain Your Yard
- Keep grass trimmed short, remove leaf litter, and clear brush regularly.
- Eliminate standing water to reduce tick-friendly environments.
- If you live near wooded areas, ponds, or lakes, consider professional yard treatments for additional protection.
If You Find a Tick
- Use fine-tipped tweezers to remove the tick as soon as possible.
- Grasp it close to the skin and pull upward steadily—avoid twisting.
- Clean the bite area with soap and water.
- Monitor for symptoms such as rash or fever, and consult your doctor if you have concerns.
For detailed guidance on safe tick removal and disposal, refer to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC).
D’s Ace Hardware Has You Covered
Our Lawn & Garden Center is stocked with everything you need to make your yard tick-safe. From lawnmowers and string trimmers for keeping grass short to rakes and leaf blowers for clearing debris, we have the tools to maintain a healthy, safe yard. We also carry a variety of tick repellents and pet protection products to support your outdoor lifestyle.
Stop by your local D’s Ace Hardware for expert advice and the supplies you need to enjoy the outdoors safely this summer.