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The long-awaited summer brings not only hot sun and a warm breeze, but also an increased occurrence of ticks – which transmit life-threatening diseases including encephalitis and Lyme disease.
The greatest activity of ticks is recorded in late spring and early summer, although individual cases of insect attacks occur from March to October. The main season for ticks is the period from the beginning of cherry blossom, when buds begin to appear on birch and linden trees, until the flowering of narrowleaf meadowsweet, that is from the end of May to the first ten days of July.
How to get rid of ticks
Despite their small size, ticks manage to create big problems. Many people die each year from a tick bite.
If you want to spend time outdoors, don’t forget a few measures to protect yourself from these dangerous tiny creatures.
Ticks do not like strong smells, so you can make a “repellent” yourself: let cinnamon powder and cloves boil in water, spray this decoction onto your clothes and you can happily go into nature.
There is another proven method. You only need a roller and an essential oil. Skin rubbed with essential oils will deter not only ticks but also annoying mosquitoes.
Essential scents that repel insects:
Eucalyptus
Eucalyptus oil can be used alone or in combination with schizandra oil to repel any insects.
Schizandra
Oil from Chinese Schizandra has a clear citrus aroma and is a natural means of protection against ticks.
Gray mint
This essential oil is toxic to insects and is an effective natural repellent!
Lavender
The most surprising thing is that while we adore the scent of lavender, ticks and mosquitoes cannot stand it.
Preventive measures
To avoid becoming a victim of a tick attack, you must follow basic measures that will prevent them from reaching the surface of the skin.
1. As is known, ticks bite where the skin is the most delicate: behind the knees, in the folds of the arms, in the groin area, in the armpits, on the neck and on the head. Make sure you don’t have all these places exposed; wear long pants, tuck them into your shoes, and always remember to wear a hat.
2. Keep your pants tucked into your socks or shoes, even if it’s hot outside.
3. Choose something for your head that covers the entire head including the back, or you can wear a hood.
4. If you stay outdoors overnight, don’t forget a tent that closes tightly and has a fine mesh; these small openings will not allow ticks to get inside.
5. It takes about 30 minutes for a tick to penetrate the skin, so remember to check your body every 20 minutes. Ticks live in grass and bushes and can easily get onto a person.
6. Don’t forget other protective products. There are a large number of special chemical aerosols and sprays that repel ticks or kill them.
Before using the product, read the instructions. There is another method – vaccination. But it is true that the vaccine protects only against encephalitis.
7. For resting, parking or after camping, choose dry pine forests with sandy soil or areas without grassy vegetation, where ticks are extremely rare. Before sleeping you should carefully inspect your clothes, body and hair.
