natureboy

Summer is all about spending time outdoors. From family camping trips, picnics, summer camp and more, kids are often running around outside a lot. Summer is also the time when insects and bugs are thriving and ready to bite, including ticks.

naturewoods

Lyme disease and other tick-born diseases are preventable with the proper precautions. You can keep your child safe this summer with the following tick-prevention and removal tips:

  1. Appropriate Clothing: Maximum clothing coverage is important. Ticks live in moist and humid environments, particularly in or near wooded or grassy areas. If you know your children will be playing in areas known to have ticks ensure they wear long pants, a long sleeved shirt and a hat if possible.
  2. Use Insect Repellent: A good insect repellent is a must. Use deet-free insect repellent like this one my  contributor had a chance to review last spring.
  3. Re-sealable bags: After little ones return from spending time outside ensure that all of their clothing is placed inside of a re-sealable bag. Put them in the dryer as soon as you get home to kill ticks.kandoo
  4. Bath or Shower:  Upon their return from any outdoor adventure give little ones a bath/shower and inspect them carefully, ticks are small and difficult to see. Do a full body check and wash their hair and inspect their head. We use tear free, hypoallergenic Kandoo 2 in 1 Shampoo and Kandoo Bubble Bath because they are free of sulfates, parabens or phthalates.
  5. Carry a Pair of Tweezers: Removal of ticks should be done with fine-tipped tweezers, carry a pair of tweezers with you when going camping or any other outdoor adventures. If you find a tick ensure you get the whole tick and clean the area with soapy water or rubbing alcohol to prevent any infection.

Remember that prevention and protection is better than treatment!

Do you have any other tips to avoid ticks and deal with them?