Lyme disease has become a fast growing epidemic. Revised numbers from the CDC reflect they have numbers nearing 300,000 a year, according to InsectShield.com.
Tick bite prevention strategies:
*Remove Ticks Safely. First, disinfect the area with an alcohol swab. Using a pointed tweezers, grab the tick as close to the skin as possible. Pull straight out. Disinfect the bite site again.
*Encourage Daily Tick Checks. The best time is right after ending an outdoor activity. A more convenient time would be as you prepare to shower. Prompt removal of most species of ticks can prevent transmission of tick-borne pathogens. It takes more than 24-36 hours of attachment for mymphal deer ticks to transmit Lyme disease bacteria, and even longer to transmit Babesia parasites.
*Identify and Avoid Tick Habitats. Shady, wooded and weedy edges are favorite spots for ticks to hang out. Avoiding tick habitats can be difficult but there are plenty ways, such as walking in the middle of maintained trails, to limit tick encounters.
According to the company, wearing Insect Shield Repellent Clothing repels mosquitoes, ticks, ants, flies, chiggers and midges. The repellency is built-in and lasts through 70 launderings. Clothing is EPA-registered, long-lasting and appropriate for use by the entire family with no restrictions for use. Visit www.insectshield.com/basics.
