Whether you’re hiking along the Smoky Mountains or just pulling weeds out of your garden, you can find ticks everywhere. These blood-sucking ectoparasites are common across the United States and tend to live in grassy, brushy, or wooded areas, according to Acme Pest Control Co in Concord, NC. These pest control experts warn that you should always be on the alert for bites, since ticks spread illness and can infect humans with bacteria, viruses, and even other parasites.

With seven decades of handling pest removal, let Acme Pest Control Co walk you through how to conduct a full-body exam every time you come back from a potentially tick-infested spot.

Use a Mirror

Ticks don’t always latch on in plain view. Remove your clothing and use a full-length or hand mirror to examine every inch of your body that could potentially have come in contact with ticks.

Check Vulnerable Areas

Ticks prefer warm, damp areas such as your armpits, groin, or hair. Start at your scalp by checking in and around the hair, then move down your body until you reach in between the toes. Concentrate on these areas in particular:

• Head: Starting at the nape of the neck, rake your fingers over your scalp and through your hair. You will be feeling for a small bump or some soreness. Also check in and around the ears.
• Torso: Continue down to your torso and be sure to check under your arms and around the waist. Ticks can also hide under the breasts and inside your belly button.
• Legs: Check spots such as the back of the knee and between the legs, especially if you were wearing shorts. These ectoparasites are also known for hiding in between toes, so be sure to check those thoroughly.

Employ a Friend

Even with multiple mirrors, it can be difficult to see all parts of your body. Ask a loved one to check blind spots such as your back for any ticks you possibly overlooked.

What to Do If You Find a Tick

If you find a tick attached to your skin, it’s important to remove it as soon as possible. Use a pair of tweezers to get as close to the skin as possible before pulling it out.

Be Mindful of Bite Symptoms

Though most tick bites are harmless, some can carry dangerous diseases. It’s important to seek medical help as soon as possible if you have a red spot or rash near the bite site, or experience symptoms such as nausea, headaches, joint pain, and fever.

Remember that you should always use repellents when outdoors to prevent tick bites. For recommendations on the best ways to keep ticks off in the first place, contact Acme Pest Control Co. They have maintained the community’s trust for seven decades by providing a wealth of pest control knowledge and dedication to customer’s needs. To learn more about commercial and residential pest control services, call (704) 707-4748.