Ticks are another insect that is at best irksome and at worst potentially harmful. These insects are very sneaky and also very hard to see. It is essential to use some form of tick repellent if you know you are going to be exposed to ticks, and to do a complete self-examination if after being in an area where you have come into contact with them.

Ticks like to inhabit the groin and armpits and it appears that ticks especially like children. It is imperative to check and re-check your children for ticks in all areas, particularly behind the child’s ears and the back of a child’s neck.

Tick bites may take several days to show symptoms… however for people who have allergies to ticks, reactions may occur very quickly.

The Symptoms Of Tick Bites… Why You Should Use A Tick Repellent

There are many symptoms which develop from tick bites including lethargy, muscle weakness, unsteady movement, local irritation, double vision, breathing or swallowing difficulties. For the individual who is allergic to ticks, reactions tend to happen more rapidly and usually include localized swelling, wheezing, breathing problems and maybe even collapse.

Walkers! Arm Yourself With Tick Repellent!

To avoid the discomfort and health issues related to ticks, tick repellent should definitely be used when arming oneself for a walk in the country.  A good tick repellent should contain the ingredient Deet (diethyl-meta-toluamide) but there are important rules to follow when using any repellent containing Deet.

Using Deet Tick Repellents

• Tick repellents containing Deet should not be used on infants younger than two months of age.
• It is recommended to use Deet only once a day and make sure to wash it off and the end of each day.
• Children under the age of twelve should not be left to apply a tick repellent containing Deet by themselves.
• It is also suggested not to use a tick repellent that has a combination of sunscreen and Deet, since sunscreen is normally applied many times throughout a and this can interfere with the effectiveness of the particular tick repellent. However, when this is unavoidable, the tick repellent should be applied first and then the sunscreen applied on top of it.
• Because Deet is such a potent ingredient used in tick repellents, it has to be used in varying degrees based on age. It is essential to make sure you understand the recommendations before using a tick repellent (or in fact any repellent) that contains Deet.

If you’re out and about in the country, there are some other simple steps you can take to protect yourself from ticks (and other insects as well of course). You can choose light-colored clothing (so that ticks show up against it)and long sleeved shirts or sweaters (to cover your skin). You should avoid fragranced soaps and baby lotions, and be sure you also tuck your pants into your socks and/or boots. These precautions (combined with an effective tick repellent) should help you have a very pleasant walk in the country.