|  | Bites Stings | Tick Bites

Safe Ways to Get Rid of Ticks on Children

Ticks are very small insects that live in moist and humid habitats. These insects thrive in wooded and grassy surroundings. Ticks are more prevalent during certain times of the year. Ticks carry many diseases depending on your geographic location. Some of the more common diseases include Lyme disease, Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever and STARI (Southern Tick Associated Rash Illness). It is especially important when a child is bitten, to remove the tick as soon as possible.

  1. Tick Removal

    • The easiest way to remove a tick is using fine-tipped tweezers. Protect your hands using latex gloves or a paper towel. Disinfect the tweezers using rubbing alcohol. Grab the tick with tweezers and pull firmly but gently so as not to separate the head from the body of the tick. It is important to remove the whole tick. Once the tick is removed, wash the area thoroughly with soap and water.

    Tick Disposal

    • It is extremely important to dispose of the tick properly to prevent future bites. Soak the tick in rubbing alcohol, burn it with a match or flush the tick down the toilet. If there is an outbreak of a tick-borne illness in your area, check with your local health department to ascertain if they want to examine the tick and follow their instructions.

    Tickborne Symptoms

    • Sometimes tick bites go unnoticed. Look for common symptoms to determine if your child has been bitten. Most symptoms appear within a few weeks and include fever and chills, headaches, fatigue, joint pain and muscle aches. Rashes may appear, but not always. See a doctor when symptoms appear to discover the best means of treatment.

    Prevention in your Yard

    • Vigilance is the key to preventing tick bites. Keeping your yard free of ticks can be accomplished with a few easy steps. Mow your lawn and trim bushes and shrubs regularly. Place playground equipment away from trees and bushes. Remove grass clippings and plant waste. Plant natural herb repellents, such as lemon grass, basil and lavender. Many ticks are brought in on new sod or mulch, so be sure to spray for ticks if new sod had been recently laid or mulch has been delivered.

    Prevention

    • Dress your child in long sleeves and pants when going into tick infested areas. Spray with an insect repellent that contains more than 20 percent DEET on both skin and clothes. Never use the product on children's hands, mouth or eyes. Check periodically for ticks especially in hair, under arms, around ears, behind the knees and inside the belly button. Examine children's clothes after they come inside. Use a tick preventative on dogs and cats that frequent the outdoors.

Tick Bites - Related Articles