Tick Season

□ Erik Karits

Earlier this month I was working out in the yard planting flowers, herbs and vegetables when I felt a tick on my leg. Try as I might I couldn't get that tick off. I tried a tick spoon, eventually I had to have my husband get the tick off with tweezers. This tick was small and hard to remove we did manage to get all of it. Thankfully!! 

To be on the safe side I attempted to put on betonite clay, I couldn't get the mix right. However I remembered that I had a charcoal mask on hand, it works wonders on bug bites taking care of the sting and itch. Thus I reasoned it would do the same if the tick left me an unwanted gift of a virus. So far I am healthy and I have not seen any rings or irritation at the bite sight. 

I do have the following recommendations if you spend anytime outside. 

After spending time outdoors, check for ticks. Know where to tick check to defend against a tick-borne infection. Start with these 10 spots going from bottom to top.

 Check children, pets, and yourself for ticks. If you don’t have someone to help you, use a mirror to check all parts. Work your way up from bottom to top. Ticks like warm spots, so don’t miss any of those. Feel for bumps. Look for tiny dark spots. Most ticks are very small. 
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If you do find a tick, don’t worry. The earlier you spot it the better. Your odds of catching Lyme disease in the first 24 hours is extremely low.

If you do find a tick, don’t worry. The earlier you spot it the better. Your odds of catching Lyme disease in the first 24 hours is extremely low.

To remove a tick, use tweezers, tick spoon or tick key. Do not use your fingers! Do not use a lighter to burn it, that will make them regurgitate and increase the chance of infection. 

Removing a tick with fine-tipped tweezers by grasping the tick as close to the skin’s surface as possible. Squeeze & pull upward with even, steady pressure. 
If the head remains in the skin, see if you can pull it out but don’t dig or rip the skin.

​Clean the bite area

Dispose of the tick by putting it in alcohol or flushing it. Or place it in a sealable bag to send it to a tick testing site. (I don't have any recommendations for a lab to test ticks. If you do please let me know.)  Do not crush it.  Check the rest of the body.

I purchased this tick key for removal.  You can find it online or at any outdoor store. I got mine at REI-Greensboro.