How to Protect Kids From Ticks

Ticks are prevalent throughout the U.S. They thrive in areas that are wooded or have thick underbrush, leaf litter or tall grasses. In northern climates, winter conditions normally control the tick population. However, warmer, snowless winters in areas like the Northeast have resulted in ticks overwintering, resulting in a boom in the tick population. Deer ticks can cause Lyme Disease, so you should protect yourself and your kids from ticks.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

1. Wear long-sleeved shirts, long pants and socks to protect yourself and your kids from ticks.

2. Make sure your kids wear light-colored clothing to protect them from ticks. Ticks are dark brown. If you wear dark clothing, it will be harder to notice whether a tick is on you.

3. Use an insect repellent to protect yourself and your kids from ticks. Most of the common brands of family-friendly mosquito repellents will also repel ticks.

4. Stay on trails when hiking in the woods. This not only preserves the area for enjoyment by all, but it protects you and your kids from ticks. Ticks hang out on brush and shrubbery near trails. When you get too close, they literally hop onto your body. Keep a safe distance, and you should be fine.

5. Check your kids and yourself for ticks regularly. If you are enjoying an outdoor activity such as camping, check your kids in the morning and evening while there's still good light. Check your child's scalp, behind his ears and the nape of his neck. Make your child undress, and check their body from head to toe, including all creases and folds.

Tips & Warnings

• Lyme Disease is a debilitating, sometimes fatal disease that is transmitted by the deer tick. Deer ticks are about the size of a pinhead, in contrast to a common wood tick, which is about the size of a peppercorn. If you have been in an area that may have had ticks and you or your child develop a "bullseye" rash, contact your physician immediately for diagnosis and treatment.

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[peterpan56]

on 5/10/2008 I have had lime disease. If you are bitten by a tick and see a bullseye rash see your doctor right away. Here is a picture of what it looks like.
http://health-pictures.com/rash/bullseye-picture.htm