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is one suggested method of tick removal. Care must be taken not to squeeze
the body of the tick, as this may force infectious fluid back into the
skin. (Courtesy of the Centers for Disease Control.)
©
1998-2001 When you find a tick, do NOT apply alcohol,
petroleum jelly or other chemicals, do NOT
apply anything hot to it, and do NOT try to pull the tick off with your fingers. Wash your hands and the bite site with warm soapy water. Disinfect the tweezers. Call your doctor to determine if treatment is necessary TICK-ITT provides a very valuable service to the consumer, testing ticks removed from humans, pets or the environment for the bacteria that causes Lyme disease. http://www.ticktest.com/ HOW TO AVOID TICK BITESWhen in tick habitat (grassy, brushy, or woodland areas), several precautions can minimize your chances of being bitten by a tick.
CDC GUIDE TO LYME DISEASE
Personal protection from tick bites
The chances of being bitten by a tick can be decreased with a few precautions.
Avoid tick-infested areas, especially in May, June, and July (many local
health departments and park or extension services have information on the
local distribution of ticks).
Wear light-colored clothing so that ticks can be spotted more easily.
Tuck pant legs into socks or boots and shirt into pants.
Tape the area where pants and socks meet so that ticks cannot crawl under
clothing.
Spray insect repellent containing DEET on clothes and on exposed skin other
than the face, or treat clothes (especially pants, socks, and shoes) with
permethrin, which kills ticks on contact.
Wear a hat and a long-sleeved shirt for added protection.
Walk in the center of trails to avoid overhanging grass and brush.
After being outdoors, remove clothing and wash and dry it at a high
temperature; inspect body carefully and remove attached ticks with tweezers,
grasping the tick as close to the skin surface as possible and pulling
straight back with a slow steady force; aviod crushing the tick's body. In
some areas, ticks (saved in a sealed container) can be submitted to the local
health department for identification.
Preventive Antibiotic Treatment: Antibiotic treatment to prevent Lyme disease
after a known tick bite may not be warranted. Physicians must determine
whether the advantages of using antibiotics outweigh the disadvantages in any
particular instance. If antibiotics are not used, physicians should alert
patients to the symptoms of early Lyme disease and advise them to return for
reevaluation if symptoms occur.
A Less Toxic Dormant Oil
In early spring, while fruit trees and shrubs are still dormant, many farmers
and gardeners spray what is called a “dormant oil” on the bark and buds of
their trees. A very old-fashioned approach to pest control—some say it dates
back to the Thea century—the purpose of the oily spray is to suffocate
overwintering pests, such as aphids and mites. Most commercial products are
made of kerosene or other petroleum oil. A much less toxic and more
sustainable approach is to use a renewable resource such as vegetable oil.
Simple Solution:
1 cup vegetable oil
2 tablespoon liquid soap 1 gallon water Easy Directions Combine the soap and oil and stir to blend thoroughly. Add the water a bit at a time, stirring as you go (water and oil don’t really emulsify; the soap helps the process). Pour the mixture into a clean garden spray container. Spray a coat of the mixture over the entire bark of a tree. Shake the container frequently as you are spraying. Makes 1 gallon, enough for one fruit tree. http://www.care2.com/channels/solutions/garden/43 All Seasons Horticultural & Dormant Spray Oil
Highly recommended for use on fruit trees, shade trees, shrubs, ornamentals,
roses and vegetables. Safe and pleasant to use. Readily mixes with water for
spraying. Dilute up to 97% in water. Will not stain.
TB2740 Horticultural Oil, qt. (2.25#) $9.95 TB2740 Horticultural Oil, 1/2 gal.(4#) $15.95 TB2743 Horticultural Oil, 1 gal.(8#) $19.90 TB2744 Horticultural Oil, 2 1/2 gal.(19#) $44.90 TB2745 Horticultural Oil, 5 gal.(40#) $86.90 An Ounce of Prevention USDA Northeast Area-wide Tick Control Project |
