Tick awareness isn't just for the summer months. In the fall, nymphs mature into adults and are searching for a winter host. The cool, damp days of fall offer the ideal environment for ticks too. As you're spending time outside during the lovely fall months, be aware of these pesky insects to stay safe. Ticks can carry illnesses that affect humans and animals. Follow these practices to stay safe: 🚫Use insect repellent designed to repel ticks 🐶🐱Use a flea and tick preventative for your pets (ask your veterinarian for options) 👕Wear light colored clothing 👖Wear long pants, long-sleeve shirts, and tall socks 🧢Tie your hair up or wear a hat 🔎Do a tick check after spending time outdoors (don't forget your pets!) 🛁Take a shower or bath after being outdoors to remove ticks that haven't attached and do a full body check If you find a tick that is attached, DO: ✅Use a tick key or tweezers to remove it, starting as close to the skin as possible ✅Wash the bite site with warm soap water or a disinfectant ✅Monitor the bite site and be aware of symptoms ✅Call a doctor if a fever, rash, or "bullseye" 🎯 shape around the bite site develop DON'T: ❌Squeeze the tick, this can push germs from the tick into your skin ❌Heat or put a chemical on the tick to try and get it to back out, this can cause it to dig in more #StaySafe #TickTips #GetOutside (fb)

A friendly little remind. 🍂🐌🍁🐜🍂🦗🍁🐛🍂 Artwork by Issa Arts #Leavetheleaves #fallyardcare (fb)