Creating a Tick Kit is an essential step every household should take. Yes, you heard it right—a Tick Kit.
I might sound a little obsessed, but I prefer to think of it as being informed. The reality is that tick-borne diseases, like Lyme disease, are a genuine threat that can affect anyone, regardless of their location or health status. If you know someone who has faced Lyme disease, you understand the seriousness. You’re likely not the one I need to convince. Feel free to skip ahead if you’re already on the same page.
Now, let’s talk to those who think, “We don’t live in a high-risk area,” or “I lead a healthy lifestyle and rarely venture outdoors.” These thoughts are misguided. Healthy individuals, even those who aren’t outdoor enthusiasts, have been diagnosed with Lyme disease in places just like yours.
Perhaps you’re saying, “I use repellent and check my kids regularly.” That’s fantastic! But it’s not enough.
Imagine discovering a tiny black speck on your child. At first glance, it looks innocuous. Upon closer inspection, you realize it’s a tick. Time is of the essence.
Every moment that tick remains attached, it could be transmitting Lyme, Babesia, Bartonella, or other co-infections. Ticks often carry multiple pathogens, transferring these diseases from animals to humans through bites. They can harbor various bacteria, viruses, fungi, and protozoans, and this complex transmission can happen in just one bite.
So, what should you do? There’s no need to panic. You’ve likely read about tick removal before. But while you’re searching for that information, the tick is still feeding. You need a Tick Kit.
What Should Be in Your Tick Kit?
It’s simple: fine-tipped tweezers, alcohol wipes, a couple of index cards or Post-it notes, a Sharpie, and some clear tape, all packed in a Ziploc bag. You might already have these items at home, but do you know exactly where to find them? In many households, essential items tend to go missing. Would you have to rummage through different rooms while the tick continues to feed?
I’ve found specialized tweezers designed for tick removal to be particularly useful. They make the task easier, especially when dealing with hard-to-reach areas like the scalp.
Please, take the time to create a Tick Kit—ideally one for your home and another for your car, especially if you travel during the summer. Seriously, pause and put your kit together before reading further.
Steps to Take if a Tick Attaches Itself
Once you have your Tick Kit, you might wonder what to do if a tick attaches itself. Follow these steps carefully:
- Use fine-tipped tweezers to grasp the tick as close to the skin as possible.
- Pull upward with steady, even pressure. Avoid twisting or jerking; this can cause parts of the tick to remain embedded in the skin. If this happens, remove those parts with tweezers.
- Refrain from using old wives’ tales such as applying nail polish, petroleum jelly, or heat to dislodge the tick. The goal is to remove it quickly, not wait for it to detach.
- Tape the tick to an index card or Post-it note. Document the date, time, and location of the bite. This information can be crucial for healthcare providers if symptoms arise later.
- Clean the bite area thoroughly with rubbing alcohol.
After removing the tick and cleaning the area, monitor both the bite site and the individual closely. Symptoms may not appear immediately and can take anywhere from 3 to 30 days to manifest. Common symptoms include flu-like signs like fever, muscle aches, headaches, or a “bullseye” rash. Remember, you can have Lyme disease without exhibiting every symptom.
You can also send the tick for testing to the Laboratory of Medical Zoology at the University of Massachusetts. This contributes to a broader understanding of tick populations and the diseases they carry. By participating, you’re part of a citizen science effort that aids in predicting disease risks. To test a tick, simply follow the guidelines available at TickReport.
If you discover a deer tick embedded in your child’s skin, my advice is clear: take them to urgent care and request treatment for Lyme disease. The years of pain associated with Lyme are not worth the risk of waiting. Early treatment with antibiotics is effective, particularly when administered within the first 30 days of a bite.
Just as we prepare for potential negative events in our lives—like securing insurance—we should also plan for health risks like ticks. Preparing a Tick Kit is a responsible action that could protect your family.
So, take a moment to gather your supplies. Once you have your Tick Kit ready, consider sharing a picture online with the hashtag #tickinsurance. Show that you’re taking steps to safeguard your family.
Summary
Creating a Tick Kit is an essential preventative measure for families. Equipped with the right tools and knowledge, you can effectively handle tick encounters and reduce the risk of tick-borne diseases. By preparing in advance, you ensure that you’re ready to respond promptly if a tick attaches itself to you or your loved ones.