Published: May 12, 2008 04:38 pm            

Warmer months mean tick season is upon us

by Brian Kern



Longer days and warmer weather are enjoyable parts of the spring and summer seasons, but health experts warn that this is the time of year when ticks are at their peak.

As a result, they also urge those who frequently spend their time outdoors to take necessary precautions.

“We don’t hear too much about tick-borne illnesses here, but it is something that we do want people to be aware of,” said Monica Smith, director of nursing for the Hendricks County Health Department. “Checking for them is the best precaution and obviously we want people to keep their head covered, especially in areas where it’s wooded.”

Ticks can spread a number of diseases including Lyme disease, Rocky Mountain spotted fever, Babesiosis, and Ehrlichiosis, according to the Center for Disease Control (CDC).

If one does acquire a tick, experts say that prompt and safe removal is key to avoiding the spread of potential disease and minimizing the risk of infection. Tweezers are ideal to assist in grasping and dislodging a tick from under the skin’s surface.

Once popular remedies such as the use of petroleum jelly, a hot match, and nail polish for tick removal are now considered to be largely ineffective and may ultimately do more harm than good.

Several insect repellent companies have developed newer technologies for tick removal. One such example is Bugg Products, LLC, which has developed a new clothing spray that will actually repel ticks for up to two weeks, even if the clothing is washed between multiple outdoor uses.

For more information about tick-borne illnesses and treatments, visit the website at www.cdc.gov. For more information about Bugg Products, LLC, visit the website at www.buggspray.com.



brian.kern@flyergroup.com

        

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