If you live near forests or rural areas, ticks are a common concern. These small arachnids feed on the blood of animals and humans, posing more risk than their size suggests. While they don’t cause blood loss, their bites can transmit dangerous illnesses such as Lyme disease, Rocky Mountain spotted fever, and babesiosis — all of which can lead to severe, long-term health issues if untreated.

Prevention is the best approach when it comes to ticks. Taking measures such as wearing protective clothing, using repellents, and checking your body and pets regularly after outdoor activities can significantly reduce the chance of bites. Even though complete protection isn’t possible, awareness and precautions go a long way.

If a tick attaches to your skin, it’s vital to remove it correctly. Pulling it with your fingers can cause its head to break off, increasing infection risk. Instead, use fine-tipped tweezers to grasp the tick as close to your skin as possible and pull it out slowly and steadily. Avoid squeezing or twisting the tick, as this can worsen contamination.

Once removed, dispose of the tick properly. You can seal it in a bag or container, wrap it in tissue and flush it down the toilet, or, if advised by a veterinarian, keep it for identification purposes — especially if it was found on a pet.

Pets are frequent tick targets, so regular checks are crucial, particularly during warmer months. Examine areas like ears, armpits, and between toes, where ticks often hide. Preventing ticks on pets also reduces their spread in your home environment.

After a bite, monitor for symptoms such as fever, fatigue, joint pain, or a rash near the bite site. Seek medical attention promptly if any appear, as early treatment prevents serious complications from tick-borne diseases.