Deer ticks are winning the battle in the northeast and are giving people Lyme disease. Lyme disease has been a growing concern in the New England states for years, and Massachusetts is notorious for deer tick bites because these little guys think the woodlands and grassy plains of your favorite hiking spots are the best places for them to populate, latch onto you and spread Lyme disease.

The worst part is these black legged ticks are so small and hard to spot on your body making it a serious threat for many of us trying to enjoy the outdoors. AFC Urgent Care West Springfield understands the concerns about deer tick bites and wants to help you win the battle against Lyme disease in 2022.

Preventing Deer Tick Bites Is The Best Way To Win The Battle Against Lyme Disease

We’re not saying to avoid the outdoors, but rather take extra precautions, especially when going on a hike, walking through grassy plains, or taking a stroll in your backyard. It is in your best interest to try some of these tips to avoid getting a deer tick latched onto you this spring and summer:

• Stay on the trail: When hiking, walk in the center of trails and avoid tall vegetation.
• Layer up: Wear long sleeves, socks and pants when in the woods, and when hiking. This includes in your own yard.
• Do a self-inspection: Make sure to check all parts of your body…especially these areas: (use a mirror if needed)
  • Under the arms
  • Behind the ears
  • In the scalp
  • Inside the belly button
  • Back of the knees
  • In and around all body hair
  • Between the legs
  • Around the waist
• Don’t forget about your furry friends: Check your pet for ticks as they may carry them into the house. Fur is a perfect place for ticks to hide, so try giving them a thorough brushing.
• Use Insect Repellent: Use repellents that contain the common ingredient DEET. It provides protection against many biting insects (most importantly ticks and mosquitoes). The Environmental Protection Agency and Center for Disease Protection have tools to help you pick the best insect repellent for you.

What Happens If I Get Bitten By A Deer Tick? How Do I Remove It?

If you do happen to get bitten by a tick, The CDC has some tips for removing one on your own:

• You can use fine-tipped tweezers and 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.

The next step would be assessing the tick bite wound and coming in to get evaluated. If you can save the tick in a zip lock bag, you can bring it in to confirm if it was a deer tick that bit you. 

AFC Urgent Care West Springfield Can Also Help Remove Deer Ticks

Sometimes it can be a very uncomfortable task to remove a deer tick on your own. With that being said, AFC Urgent Care West Springfield can also help remove deer ticks and can assess the tick bite. Our staff is medically trained to remove ticks as well as evaluate you for any tick related illnesses. 

We highly suggest coming in within the first 24 hours of getting bitten by a deer tick so we can remove it right away! You can walk-in any day of the week to be seen for tick bites and tick removals. There is no appointment needed when visiting our AFC Urgent Care center in West Springfield. But if you prefer to make an appointment, you can schedule one here. 

Our doors are open 7 days a week making it convenient for your schedule.