A few weeks ago, while mowing the lawn, I felt a tickle on my ankle. Expecting a mosquito, I looked down to find something far worse — a lone star tick, unmistakable with its white spot.Ticks are more than a nuisance; they carry serious diseases. The lone star tick is especially concerning because it actively seeks out hosts in grassy and wooded areas.
What to Do if You Find One
Stay calm. Using fine-tipped tweezers, grasp the tick close to your skin and pull steadily without twisting. Clean the bite with alcohol or soap and water, and never crush the tick. Instead, save it in a container or on tape, noting the date and bite location.
Watch for Symptoms
Over the following weeks, monitor for fever, rash, fatigue, or muscle aches. If symptoms appear, contact your doctor right away.
Prevention Matters
When outdoors, wear long sleeves, tuck pants into socks, and use repellents containing DEET, permethrin, or picaridin. After returning indoors, check yourself, your kids, and pets carefully. At home, keep grass short, clear brush, and add barriers like gravel between lawns and wooded areas.
Final Thoughts
Ticks are unsettling, but with quick removal, health monitoring, and prevention, you can stay safe and still enjoy the outdoors.