Be ready when and if a tick bite happens

The warm weather is on its way and with it, tick season. If you live near a wooded area, you may already be aware of the risks associated with ticks and their bites. Ticks carry several diseases, so avoiding bites is key along with being ready if a bite does occur.

While ticks may be unavoidable where you live, the good news is that you can have the right items on hand to deal with a tick bite and help make the unfortunate experience a bit less stressful.

In this article: TickCheck Premium Tick Removal Kit, Raid Flea Killer Carpet & Room Spray, K9 Advantix II Dog Flea and Tick Preventative.

Tick bite risks

While most ticks do not carry diseases, some do carry the bacteria that can cause Lyme disease, Colorado tick fever, Rocky Mountain spotted fever and tularemia, according to Mount Sinai.

In the weeks after receiving a tick bite, it is important to watch for symptoms that may indicate a tick-borne disease. They include:

Headaches
Fever
Swollen lymph nodes
Muscle and joint aches
Stiff neck
Weakness
Other flu-like symptoms

It’s also important to be on the lookout for a red rash or spot starting near the bite itself. Contact a health care provider if you have any concerns about a rash.

Tick removal

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), it’s crucial to remove the tick in a specific way so you don’t leave pieces of its body inside the person who was bitten.

Use a pair of fine-tipped tweezers to grab hold of the tick as close to the skin as possible.
Using steady, even pressure, pull the tick upward. Don’t use jerky movements or twist the tick to get it out.
Once the tick is removed, thoroughly clean your hands and the bite area using soap and water or rubbing alcohol.
Flush the tick down the toilet or place it in a sealed bag or in rubbing alcohol if you want to bring it to a doctor to identify it.

Monitor the area around the bite for 30 days to watch for the above-listed symptoms. If you experience any of those symptoms, contact a health care provider.

Best tick removal kits and treatments

TickCheck Premium Tick Removal Kit

This kit is equipped with a tick removal tool and a set of fine-tipped tweezers to help you remove ticks of various sizes. It also includes a tick identification card and storage case for the tools.

Raid Flea Killer Carpet & Room Spray

This spray kills fleas and ticks on contact while killing hatching eggs for up to four months. It’s nonstaining on water-safe fabrics and surfaces and can be used on carpets, upholstery and other fabrics.

OFF! Deep Woods Insect Repellent Aerosol

Have plenty of bug spray on hand to keep you and your family safe from ticks this year. This spray protects from ticks, mosquitoes and other insects that may carry harmful diseases. It’s a four-pack, ensuring you’ll have plenty on hand for time spent outdoors.

Zodiac Flea & Tick Powder for Dogs, Puppies, Cats & Kittens

This powder helps control fleas, ticks and lice on your dogs and cats. It has a shaker top for easy application, and it promises to kill harmful insects quickly.

FRONTLINE Plus Flea and Tick Treatment for Cats

This total flea and tick treatment prevents and kills both fleas and ticks to keep your kitty safe. One treatment works for up to 30 days, so be sure to reapply on time. It can be used on cats as young as 8 weeks old.

K9 Advantix II Dog Flea and Tick Preventative

This waterproof toal treatment protects your pup by repelling and killing fleas, ticks and mosquitoes. It provides same-day effectiveness that lasts for about 30 days. Be sure to purchase the proper formula for your dog’s size, as they go by weight.

Prices listed reflect time and date of publication and are subject to change.

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