9. Did you know, when taking nature walks stay on hard surfaces and keep to the center of hiking trails if possible. Try to resist sitting on stone walls or logs. 10. Did you know to beware of the Japanese Barberry Bush? CT Agricultural Experiment Station suggests removing them from your yard or stay clear of them when walking. The small rodents often use it for shelter. The moist soil harbors the ticks and mice. Ticks are often found climbing on the upper branches of this bush and will latch onto anyone that brushes against it. 11. Did you know, to help deter ticks in your yard, consider using tick barriers such as stones or cedar mulch close to any wetlands or wooded area? Keep your grass cut short. There are also different types of sprays for your yard. Both chemical and non-chemical. Consider what would work best for you and your family. There are also other commercial products that will kill the ticks on the small rodents but will not harm the animals. The natural enemies of ticks are opossums and some fowl. 12. Do you know the best way to dress when outside? Though the summer heat can make it difficult to dress appropriately while out in a tick environment, try to wear light clothes that can help you see the tiny black nymph ticks. Tuck pant legs inside the socks and wear long sleeves. If working in the yard wear gloves as well. 13. Do you know there are many different types of tick repellents? There are chemical repellents as well as natural repellents. It is important to know, it is often best to use one type for clothing and one for your skin especially if you use a chemical repellent for your clothing. If you are using a natural repellent for clothing or your skin be sure you apply or re-apply it more frequently than a chemical repellent. |
