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As we step back into our gardens this year, it’s crucial to be aware of a potential threat lurking among the plants and grass: ticks. The tick population has significantly grown, and these tiny creatures can pose serious health risks. In this blog post, we will explore the reasons why ticks should concern us, the disease they can transmit, and effective preventive measures to ensure your safety while gardening.
Understanding the Risks
Ticks are parasitic arachnids that feed on the blood of both animals and humans. They thrive in shady areas near plants, shrubs, and tall grass, making gardens an ideal habitat for them. However, what makes ticks particularly concerning is their ability to transmit Lyme Disease, a serious health condition with potential long-term implications if left untreated.
Symptoms of Lyme Disease
One of the most alarming aspects of tick bites is that they often go unnoticed. People can be bitten without realizing it, leading to the development of flu-like symptoms, joint pain, fatigue, and even more severe complications. If you have been bitten by a tick and experience any of these symptoms, it’s so important you consult with your physician immediately.
Sometimes it’s nice to ‘see’ someone while they are explaining things. If this is you, check out the link to my YouTube video below!
Protective Measures
To safeguard yourself from ticks while gardening, it’s essential to protect your skin as much as possible. Wear long-sleeved shirts, long pants, closed-toed shoes, and a hat to minimize exposed areas. Since ticks tend to latch onto exposed skin, covering up is so important.
Personal Experience
As someone who recently found a tick on my leg, I cannot stress enough the importance of taking precautionary measures. The tick had already begun embedding itself into my leg, but I was fortunate enough to remove it before it became engorged. Learning from this experience, I now wear tall rubber boots when I enter my garden to reduce the risk of skin exposure. Alternatively, some individuals opt for placing duct tape around the bottom of their pants to prevent ticks from crawling up their legs.
Insect Repellents
Another effective preventive measure is using insect repellents. Look for repellents that contain DEET and apply them to your clothing or exposed skin before entering your garden. If you have any recommendations or additional tips, please share them in the comment section. Let’s empower each other with knowledge and help everyone stay safe.
Minimizing Tick Population
Regular property maintenance plays a vital role in reducing the tick population around your property. Keep your lawns mowed, shrubs trimmed, and remove piles of leaves, as these areas often serve as hiding spots for ticks.
Body Checks and Hygiene
Though it may seem ridiculous, checking your body thoroughly every time you come inside after being in the garden is crucial. Ticks are drawn to warm and moist areas, so pay extra attention to your scalp, armpits, groin area, and behind your knees. Additionally, developing a habit of showering and changing your clothes after gardening can prevent ticks from attaching themselves to your skin.
Staying Informed
It’s essential to stay up to date on tick-borne diseases prevalent in your local area. Regularly check the website of your local health unit for the latest information. Please refer to this link (https://www.ontario.ca/page/lyme-disease) from the Government of Ontario website for more information. This information was so helpful for me when I found the tick on my leg. It’s always better to be prepared and educated about potential risks.
Comment Below
Now that we have addressed the safety concerns surrounding ticks and gardening, let’s get back to what we love—gardening! Have you tried vertical gardening before? If you haven’t, make sure you check out my blog post ‘Cheap Vertical Gardening Ideas For Growing Vegetables’. If you have tried vertical gardening before, comment below and tell me what you have had success growing vertically in your garden.
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