After a fun afternoon playing in the yard, my boys and I came in for snack time and I saw it…a TICK…crawling on my 1 year old’s head. If you’re anything like me, you absolutely despise these creepy, crawly bugs so let’s start by busting a few myths.
❌ Myth 1: You should put nail polish on a tick to make it “back out” once bitten.
I would hear this all the time growing up and from clients when I used to groom dogs. Sometimes I’d even hear about people using nail polish remover or even bleach! However, you shouldn’t put ANYTHING on the tick’s back because that’s actually they breathe. By suffocating the tick you actually increase the risk of infection because they’re more likely to deposit more saliva or even regurgitate into the wound…EW!
❌ Myth 2: Ticks die in the winter.
Contrary to popular belief, every season is tick season. Ticks will search for warmth to survive the colder months, whether that’s a body or a house. Some ticks can actually produce their own antifreeze to survive the cold temperatures.
❌ Myth 3: Ticks only live in wooded areas or overgrown grassy fields.
While it’s true that tick populations may be higher in these locations, it doesn’t mean that they don’t live in other areas. This includes suburban neighborhoods and city parks.
❌ Myth 4: Ticks are insects.
Ticks are actually a parasite called arachnids that belong to the same family as mites!
❌ Myth 5: Ticks can jump.
Unlike fleas, ticks can’t jump. They crawl up blades of grass, trees, bushes, etc. to reach their host.
If you have dogs, enjoy hiking, camping, or live in a rural area, you know there’s no staying away from ticks. They’re out there anyways, so the best way to continue enjoying your outdoor activities is to take preventative action against getting bit.
▪️ Wear insect repellent.
You can make your own repellent or use Earthley’s Pest Aside.
DIY Repellent (Baby & Dog Safe)
1 part Apple Cider Vinegar
1 part Water
Combine in a spray bottle & use as needed.
DIY Repellent (Baby & Dog Safe)
2 tbsp rosemary
2 tbsp catnip
4 oz witch hazel
Add herbs & witch hazel in a small glass jar with a lid.
Shake to combine.
Let mixture sit 2-3 days until color has deepened.
Strain mixture through cheesecloth, squeezing to remove all liquid.
Add to a spray bottle & use as needed.
Other herbs known to repel insects include lavender, peppermint, citronella, marigolds, eucalyptus, lemongrass, and geranium.
▪️ Stay covered.
You’ll often see people recommend wearing long sleeves, long pants, long socks, or a hat, to prevent tick bites. While I don’t feel like this it the most effective preventative, it can still help. I’ve also seen people tape the ends of their pants and sleeves closed, and then another layer of tape inside out, making a sticky trap.
▪️ Check yourself often.
Check for ticks every so often if you’re spending a lot of time outdoors. Remove them as you go to prevent getting bit. The best way to dispose of ticks is to flush them down the toilet or place it in a sealed container with alcohol.
▪️ Shower as soon as possible once returning indoors.
This is the perfect opportunity to do a thorough check. Look at all your nooks and crannies, between toes, in your armpits, and behind your ears. Showering will not only knock off any loose ticks, but it will wash off whatever repellent you used so you can relax comfortably.
In the event that you do get bit by a tick, first of all, don’t panic! Secondly, I recommend following this protocol:
1️⃣ Remove the tick with tweezers by grabbing as close to the head as possible. This allows for the best chance at removing the head and decreases the risk of regurgitation, lowering the risk of infection. You can also use other
tick removal products such as a tick key. Dispose of the tick in a bottle of alcohol or flushing it down the toilet. You can also send the tick into special companies that test them for diseases.
2️⃣ Use a drawing salve such as bentonite clay or charcoal—I prefer this one. Apply a thick layer and cover for up to 12 hours to draw out the tick’s saliva from the bite wound.
3️⃣ Support your immune system with teas or herbal tinctures while your body fights against any risk of infection. Herbs that may be helpful include elderberry, echinacea, and astragalus root. Don’t forget to increase your vitamin C!
4️⃣ Watch for a rash. If one appears, continue immune support and consider adding homeopathic Ledum.
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