Not all ticks carry Lyme disease, but deer ticks do! Lyme disease, if left untreated, can cause long term side effects on your joints and nervous system. It’s definitely not a disease you want to get this spring or summer. 

Where do people even get bitten by deer ticks? It just so happens that deer ticks love the grassy plains and wooded areas in the northeast. Massachusetts in particular is like a playground for deer ticks. If you’re planning on being more outdoors as the weather gets warmer, we highly suggest reading our guide on being deer tick aware so you can avoid Lyme disease!

Be Aware Of Deer Ticks And Their Habitat!

The most obvious answer would be to avoid the outdoors to reduce the chances of coming in contact with a tick, but that’s not realistic. The majority of people are going to be outdoors for barbecues, in their yards, out on hikes, etc. exposing them to deer ticks. Luckily for you, we have created some tips on how to avoid them:  

• Avoid tick-infested areas such as the areas between grassy plains and the woods (also known as the “edge”). Ticks usually latch onto you when you enter the woods or when you leave the woods
• Perform tick checks after being outdoors
• Wear appropriate clothing and tuck pant legs into socks
• Use a chemical repellent with DEET, Permethrin or Picaridin 
• Keep your lawn cut short (they like to jump from taller grass leaf)

Tick,Tick Tick…Removal

If you get bitten by a deer tick, the clock is now ticking. According to the CDC, it can take anywhere from the moment you get bitten to 36-48 hours for you to contract Lyme disease. Deer tick removal is crucial during this time. The sooner you remove it, the better your chances are of not developing Lyme. 

We highly suggest following this tick removal technique if you can do so on your own. The CDC recommends: 

• Using fine-tipped tweezers to connect with the tick as close to the skin’s surface as possible.
• Don’t twist or jerk the tick as this can cause the mouth-parts to break off and remain in the skin. If this happens, remove the remaining parts with tweezers if possible.
• After removing the tick, clean the bite area and your hands with rubbing alcohol or soap and water.

If you don’t have the tools or are uncomfortable doing it yourself you can visit AFC Urgent Care Saugus for deer tick bites and removal. 

Get Your Deer Tick Removed At AFC Urgent Care Saugus

AFC Urgent Care Saugus can help remove ticks properly,  and evaluate you for tick-related illnesses. If you or a family member is bitten by a tick that you suspect to be a deer tick, the best thing to do is to get it removed by a medical provider who is knowledgeable and experienced in proper removal techniques. From there, we can help guide you to the next step for treatment. 

You can walk-in any day of the week for tick removals. There is no appointment needed. But, if you prefer to make an appointment, you can make one online here.