How to Prevent Ticks on Humans & Dogs While Hiking in Hammonton, NJ; Tick Repellent & More

This social distancing and quarantine order has us all turning to the great outdoors for some sanity. A pastime that many are finding enjoyable during these troubling times is hiking. Exploring the outdoors is a great way to connect with those we love as we are all trying to navigate this new normal. Ross Environmental Solutions is here to bring attention to some hitch hikers that no one wants to find on their person when they arrive home from a hike: ticks. We are going to talk about what ticks you should be looking for and how to avoid their bite when you are hiking.

Dangerous Ticks Found in NJ

In the South New Jersey area, there are a few ticks thatwill transmit dangerous diseases that could greatly alter your way of life. Thethree ticks to look out for are the American dog tick, lone star tick andblacklegged tick or deer tick. While Lyme disease is the most well-knowndisease, there are several other diseases that can cause problems like RockyMountain spotted fever and ehrlichiosis.

Tick Repellent, Long Pants & More to Avoid Ticks

Ticks live in long grasses and brush. If you are hiking, youwill be safest staying on the trail. You should avoid forging new trails thatcut through areas that ticks are far more likely to be in. If you know thatthere are ticks in the area you are going to be hiking, it is best if you use arepellent that contains DEET or picaridin to keep them off you. Wearing theappropriate clothing will help as well. Wear long pants and consider tuckingthem into your socks so that ticks can’t make any contact with your skin.

How to Check People & Dogs for Ticks

As soon as you get home from hiking outside, you need to thoroughly inspect your body for ticks. It is ideal if you find a tick to do so before it burrows into your skin. However, if it has already started to burrow and bite, it is important that you remove it properly from your body using tweezers to simply pull it out. Make sure you don’t burn, twist or squeeze the tick as this will cause fluids to enter your body from it. Once removed, put it in a plastic, seal-able bag and throw it away. You need to disinfect the tweezers and your skin using rubbing alcohol. Places that you will usually find ticks include:

• Under the arms
• Between legs
• Behind the knee
• Inside the belly button
• In & around hair
• Around the waist
• In & around ears

Tick Control

If you have ticks on your property and are looking for the right company to help you control them, look no further. Ross Environmental Solutions is here to ensure you and those you love are safe from these dangerous pests. Call us today!