The window for tick bites has been extended this year due to November and December 2015 having been unusually warm and damp. Enjoy the weather outdoors in Westchester County while staying safe with these 5 safety tips everyone should know!
- Tick repellent clothing is a great way to enjoy Westchester County’s beautiful weather while protecting yourself from tick bites!
Tick Repellent Socks, Gamehide.com
Tick repellent clothing is pre-treated with tick repellent which is odorless and lasts up to 70 washes.
- Contrary to popular belief, ticks remain active during winter. This is important to remember if you are a skier, hunter, outdoor enthusiast or work outdoors, tick prevention is still a precaution you should take.
“Deer ticks will be active any winter day that the ground is not snow-covered or frozen.” – TickEncounter.org
Deer ticks in the adult stage of their life cycle become active after the first frost, and are not killed by freezing temperatures.
- Ticks do not jump or fly, they climb up. Ticks climb to access thinner blood located near the neck, head and ears of their host.
- Ticks come in small, medium and large sizes; this includes deer ticks. Ticks have three active, blood-feeding stages which include larvae (the size of a grain of sand), nymphs, (the size of a poppy seed) and adults (the size of an apple seed). Ticks which are larger than an apple seed are most likely partially-full or full of blood.
- Pointy tweezers are the best way to remove a tick. When pulling a tick out, grab as close to the skin as you can and pull upward with steady, even pressure.
