We’re not the only ones enjoying the warmer weather outdoors – ticks are too. Warm temperatures and increasing tick populations bring increased risks for Lyme disease and other tick-borne illnesses. Before heading outdoors, make sure to take steps to prevent ticks bites.
Pets, just like people, are susceptible to tick-borne diseases like Lyme, and during Lyme Disease Awareness Month and National Pet Month, RISE (Responsible Industry for a Sound Environment)® is sharing the following tips to reduce exposure to ticks and help prevent bites on you and your pets.
- Put up personal barriers. Before heading out for your hike or taking your pet for a walk, apply and pack an EPA-approved insect repellent, proven to repel mosquitoes and ticks. Tuck shirts into pants and pants into socks, and stay in the middle of trails away from brush to help avoid ticks. Take preventative measures for your pets like using tick collars, shampoos or topical products.
- Protect your home. Remove leaves, brush, and weeds and trim shrubs and trees around the perimeter of your home and the edge of your lawn. Use pesticides around your home’s perimeter and as a targeted barrier treatment. Always read and follow pesticide label directions.
- Prep your yard. Clean your yard, remove trash and old furniture, and put up fencing to discourage rodent activity. Mow your grass often, and make sure to limit your pets from heading into wooded areas.
- Check for ticks. When you and your pets return indoors, be sure to check for ticks, especially in hard-to-find places like between your pet’s toes and inside and around your ears.
Help us spread awareness for Lyme disease through the Lyme Disease Challenge’s Take a Bite Out of Lyme. Here’s how you can participate:
- Take a Bite. Create social-media worthy photos and videos by taking a bite out of lime.
- Share a Fact. Include a fact about ticks, Lyme disease or prevention efforts.
- Post it. Post to social media with the hashtag #LymeDiseaseChallenge to generate conversation and awareness about the disease.
- Pass it on. Challenge three other people to take a bite through mentions in the video, tagging them in the photo or challenging them in person.
You can learn more about ticks and Lyme disease here or by joining the Twitter conversation using #RISEaboveLyme.
