Summer is Tick Season in California!

As residents of California, we love the warm and sunny weather this season brings. However, it’s important to be aware that summer is also tick season, which means we are more vulnerable to getting Lyme disease from tick bites. In fact, one in five people nationwide know someone who has contracted Lyme disease from a tick bite. Thankfully, there are several ways to reduce the risk of getting bitten by ticks and developing diseases like Lyme.

Prevention Tips

First, it’s essential to be aware of where ticks are typically found. Ticks love to live in tall grass, bushes, and heavily wooded areas. They attach themselves to animals and can easily transfer to humans who venture into these environments. Therefore, it’s important to avoid tick habitats whenever possible.

If you do venture into a tick habitat, be sure to wear long-sleeved shirts and pants, as well as closed-toe shoes. Additionally, you should tuck your pants into your socks. This will help prevent ticks from crawling up your legs and latching onto your skin.

After any outdoor activity, be sure to check your body for ticks. Be especially sure to check in hard-to-see areas, such as your scalp, underarms, and groin. Ticks can be very small, so it is sometimes challenging to spot them. It’s also a good idea to shower soon after outdoor activities to wash off any ticks you may have missed.

What to Do if You are Bitten

If you or someone you know is bitten by a tick, it’s important to remove it as soon as possible. Use tweezers to gently pull the tick off of the skin. Avoid twisting or jerking the tick, as this may cause the tick’s mouthparts to remain attached to the skin. Clean the area with soap and water and apply an antiseptic to the bite.

It’s also important to be aware of the symptoms of Lyme disease. Symptoms can vary from person to person, but they generally include fever, headache, fatigue, and a bullseye-shaped rash around the bite area. If you develop these symptoms, seek medical attention immediately.

In Conclusion

Summer is a fantastic time to enjoy the great outdoors in California. However, it’s important to remember that ticks are more active in this season, and contracting Lyme disease from a tick bite can be dangerous. By taking precautions such as wearing long clothing and checking for ticks, we can help keep our community protected this summer season. If ticks are becoming a problem for you or your pets, it’s time to contact the Pest Control Professionals at Ecola Termite and Pest Control at 800-471-BUGS (2847) before the problem becomes worse.