Tick season is upon us here in Maryland, and it's crucial to take precautions against these pests. To protect yourself from ticks, wear light-colored clothing and long-sleeved shirts/pants to reduce skin exposure. Tuck your shirt into your pants and your pants into your socks for added protection. After spending time outside, do a full-body check for ticks on yourself, your kids, and your pets. Throw any clothes you wore outside in the dryer on high heat for 30 minutes to kill any attached ticks. Lastly, consider signing up for professional tick control treatments to keep them off your property altogether.

Wear Light-Colored Clothing & Long-Sleeved Shirts/Pants to Reduce Skin Exposure to Ticks

Brownish-black tick on leaf in Westminster, MD.

One effective way to minimize the risk of tick bites is by wearing appropriate clothing when venturing outdoors. Opting for light-colored attire makes it easier to spot ticks crawling on your clothes. This allows you to remove them before they have a chance to latch onto your skin.

Moreover, choosing long-sleeved shirts and pants provides an extra layer of defense against tick bites. By covering more surface area with fabric, you create fewer opportunities for ticks to come into direct contact with your skin. It's also advisable to tuck your shirt into your pants and your pants into your socks or boots. This prevents ticks from easily accessing exposed areas such as ankles and waistlines.

Ticks are commonly found in grassy areas, wooded regions, and even gardens!

Do a Full-Body Check for Ticks Once You Go Inside

After returning indoors from outdoor activities, performing a thorough body check is essential to detect any ticks that may have latched onto you. Pay close attention to all parts of your body, including hard-to-reach areas like armpits, behind knees, groin region, scalp, and neck.

It's equally important to conduct regular inspections on children and pets. Children tend to play closer to the ground where ticks reside, making them susceptible to bites. Similarly, pets can carry ticks into your home if not properly checked. Run your fingers through their fur, feeling for small bumps or engorged ticks. If you find one, use fine-tipped tweezers to grasp the tick firmly near its mouthparts and pull straight out without twisting.

Throw Any Clothes You Wore Outside in the Dryer on High Heat for 30 Minutes to Eliminate Ticks

If you suspect you were exposed to ticks while being outdoors, taking immediate action once inside can significantly reduce the chances of bringing them further into your living space. One simple yet highly effective measure is throwing the clothes worn outside directly into the dryer set at high heat for about 30 minutes. The intense heat generated during this process effectively kills any remaining ticks clinging to your garments.

Sign Up for Professional Tick Control Treatments

To ensure comprehensive protection against ticks throughout the year, consider enrolling in professional tick control treatments. These services involve trained professionals applying specialized products designed specifically to target ticks around your property.

Professional tick control treatments offer several advantages over DIY methods. Firstly, experts possess extensive knowledge regarding tick behavior and habitat preferences, allowing them to identify problem areas accurately. Secondly, they utilize advanced techniques and equipment tailored to deliver optimal results efficiently. Finally, professional-grade products provide longer-lasting effects compared to store-bought alternatives.

Give us a call today to schedule our tick control service!

At Liqua-Grow Turf, a reliable tick control service is offered that includes multiple applications throughout the year to ensure your lawn remains free of these bloodsucking pests! This service is offered to property owners in Westminster, Eldersburg, Ellicott, MD, and surrounding areas, including nearby areas in Pennsylvania. Don’t let ticks ruin your peace of mind—give us a call today at (410) 795-7900 to schedule our top-notch tick control service!