There’s no better way to clear one’s mind than to spend more time outdoors. Whether it be a relaxing walk through the woods or an early-season hike, getting outside can do wonders for improving mental well-being. While temperatures are rising, we have unfortunately reached the time of year when ticks and insects again begin rearing their ugly heads. Though not all tick bites are dangerous, bites from certain ticks can lead to long-lasting complications, including Lyme disease.

Fortunately, there are a handful of simple things you can do to avoid getting bit while enjoying the outdoors in the coming months. Here’s what you need to know about tick bites.

Tick Bites: What You Need to Know

There are three types of ticks known to cause bites in humans and animals throughout New England: the American dog tick, the deer tick, and the “lone star” tick. Also known as wood ticks, dog ticks can, in rare cases, transmit Rocky Mountain spotted fever and tularemia. Lone star ticks aren’t harmless, either. Bites often result in redness and discomfort and carry the risk of transmitting ehrlichiosis and the Heartland virus.

However, New Englanders understandably worry about the deer tick most. Extremely small and difficult to spot, deer ticks prey on humans, dogs, birds, and other animals and are found primarily in the spring months but are also active in the summer and fall. They are notorious for transmitting lyme disease, anaplasmosis, and babeosis.

Tick Bite Signs to Watch For

If you or a family member has spent even a relatively small amount of time outdoors (ie: more than a simple stroll around the block), checking the hair, neck, legs and armpits for ticks is always advised. If a tick is discovered, carefully and immediately remove it using gloves and tweezers. Grabbing the tick by the body and gently rocking in an upward motion can help reduce the chances of disease transmission. Clean the area with soap and water, swab with rubbing alcohol, and wash your hands thoroughly after removing the tick.

However, ticks can sometimes be difficult to spot, and a bite may occur without you realizing it. A worrisome tick bite warranting medical attention may come along with the following signs and symptoms:

• A reddish “bulls-eye” pattern surrounding the site of the tick bite
• Noticeable rash (erythema migrans)
• Flu-like symptoms
• Swollen lymph nodes
• Fever/chills
• Fatigue
• Joint swelling

It’s important to note that symptoms of Lyme disease or other tick-borne illnesses can take 2-3 weeks (or longer) to develop after a tick bite. These symptoms indicate that treatment may be necessary and that a visit to ConvenientMD is recommended.

Preventing Tick Bites

Avoiding insect bites can be challenging for those who like to spend significant amounts of time outside or in the woods. That said, there are a handful of things that you can do to help prevent getting bit, such as the following:

1. Avoid heavily wooded areas. Tall grass and wooded spaces are safe havens for ticks and other insects; minimizing your time in these areas can help prevent bites.
2. Use safe insect repellants. Many effective insect repellents on the market are safe for the whole family.
3. Wear long-sleeved clothing. The less skin you have exposed on your body, the less likely you will get bitten.
4. Don’t eat strong-smelling foods or wear perfumes outside. Certain foods and grooming products can actually attract insects and result in unwanted attention.
5. Always check for ticks. It helps to have a buddy system when checking for ticks or bug bites, but you can check yourself with a mirror—don’t skip this all-important step.

Tick Bite Treatment at ConvenientMD

Even though some insect bites will heal without intervention, it’s always smart to get a professional medical opinion if you are unsure what may be causing your signs and symptoms. We regularly see patients for tick and insect bites at our clinics. Our providers will happily help set up an effective action plan should treatment be necessary.