How to Protect Yourself Against Ticks?

Everything you need to know about the tick

Before opting for an anti-tick or a mosquito repellent, the ideal is to know a little more about this small parasite to take better precautions. The tick is a mite from the arachnid family to which spiders belong. Contrary to what some people think, it is not an insect. Indeed, this parasite has eight legs; it does not jump, does not fly, and mainly feeds on blood. To reach its prey, the tick hides in low plants and at ground level.

Before the bite, the tick is not visible to the naked eye due to its small size. It is only a few hours or even a few days after the bite becomes visible. This parasite’s main danger is Lyme disease, which can transmit  36 to 48 hours after contact between the tick and the individual.

Ticks often come out when the climate is temperate. They particularly appreciate humid places like forests, forest roads, groves, and gardens. As for the season, the risk of infection reaches its maximum in spring and autumn.

Prepare before departure

There is no question of canceling the trip for the simple fear of ticks. Nothing will happen to those who prepare for it. Since ticks are placed at ground level and on low branches, it is at this level that we must insist. So here are some tips:

1. I prefer pants closed at the ankle to shorts, dresses, and skirts;
2. Opt for light, light-colored clothing to see the insects that cling to them more quickly;
3. Wear high socks to cover the ankles;
4. Wear a long sleeve top  ;
5. Put on a hat because the tick loves to attack the scalp even if the risk of this parasite reaching this height is minimal;
6. Before sitting down or lying down on the grass, it is strongly recommended to spread a tablecloth.

Use essential oils to guard against ticks

The use of a repellent is strongly recommended during forest walks. However, anti-ticks with a chemical composition are not suitable for pregnant women and children. The ideal is to use natural repellents based on essential oils.

Tea tree essential oil

Hikers appreciate this essence because its effectiveness is proven. It slows down the development of this parasite and kills it. To benefit from its virtues, you must mix one or two drops of the essence with a small vegetable oil amount. Spread the mixture directly on the skin before and after hiking. During the application, it is advisable to insist on the areas at risks, such as the armpits, the folds at the knee level, and the lower abdomen. Also, do not apply tea tree essential oil to a tick already attached to the skin. This mite is likely to regurgitate. As a result, the risk of transmitting bacteria increases.

Lemongrass essential oil

Like tea tree essential oil, lemongrass oil can also repel external parasites, especially ticks. Its peculiarity lies in its antiseptic property. In the event of a bite, it suffices to dilute 1 or 2 drops of this solution in a little vegetable oil and apply it to the surface to be protected or disinfected.

Clove essential oil

This repellent is very effective for driving away parasites and reducing the risk of infection in the event of a bite. If tick bites, dilute 1 or 2 drops of this vegetable oil essence, then apply on the stung part.

True lavender essential oil

Ticks don’t like the smell of lavender essential oil. However, if the person has already been bitten, the essence has a soothing effect, limiting irritation. In this case, mix one to two drops of this essence in a small amount of essential oil. It is to be applied both before and after the hike.

After the walk

After a long day in the great outdoors, it’s time to search, carefully inspecting all parts of her body. Mites especially love the folds, navel, scalp, and all other inconspicuous areas. When the check is complete, take a shower. For greater confidence, soap all parts of the body, ticks automatically fall off.

The advice in case of a bite

If despite all these precautions, the tick has bitten part of the skin, it must be removed as soon as possible because the risk of disease transmission exists after 24 hours of fixation and becomes maximum after 72 hours. To avoid getting Lyme disease after a tick bite, here is the procedure to follow:

• Using tick tweezers or tweezers, grasp the tick as close as possible to the skin;
• Slowly turn the forceps in the opposite direction of the needle of a watch while gently pulling it out of the skin;
• Flush the parasite down the toilet and flush the toilet;
• Disinfect the stung part with alcohol;
• Monitor the bite for a few days and consult your doctor if there are any changes.

Some people advise applying oil, gasoline, or alcohol during a tick bite so that the mite chokes and its head come out of the skin. Experts disagree. They claim that this parasite can go for hours without breathing. The best technique remains the tick clamp available in pharmacies.