How To Make a Tick Kit

This may be the first time you’ve heard of a tick kit, but it’s a pretty simple and ingenious idea. Consider where we live. Ticks are everywhere and Lyme disease is a constant danger to us. So it makes perfect sense to do every little thing we can to protect ourselves. And I’m sure you probably already do most things, like wear repellent and treat your dogs, etc. But Scary Mommy makes an excellent point when she reminds us that the time may come when you find a tick attached to you anyway. The longer the tick is attached, the higher the risk of contracting disease and ticks carry several. Sometimes a few all at once. We’ve pointed out before the way ticks hang on so we know it’s not often as simple as just “flicking” them off. When you find a tick attached you’re going to need tweezers to remove it.

Where are the tweezers?

I can’t find the tweezers.

But if you had a tick kit you’d be ready.

WHAT YOU NEED FOR A PROPER TICK KIT

• A pair of tweezers
• Alcohol Swabs
• Index cards or post-it notes
• A sharpie
• Clear tape
• A plastic/Ziploc bag 

PUT EVERYTHING IN THE BAG AND GIVE IT A HOME IN YOUR HOUSE WHERE IT WILL ALWAYS BE LOCATED. EASY ENOUGH RIGHT?

I bet you’ve got it all at your house already. So now how do you use it? So let’s imagine you’ve found a tick on one of your children. First, you take the tweezers and remove the tick. Pull up, straight and hard, from as close to the skin as possible. Now take the tick and tape it to the post it or index card. Make a note of the time, date, and location you were in when you found the tick. Clean the bite spot with the alcohol swab.

Tick kit success!

But then what?

Well, then you just wait and watch. Symptoms of tick-borne illness are likely to occur within 3-30 days. If rash or fever or flu-like symptoms start to occur, head to the doctor immediately. The faster you treat Lyme or any other disease the better. You can also send your tick off to be tested at any time. Go to Tickreport.com for instructions.

At Mosquito Squad of Central Mass and the North Shore, we think Scary Mommy is pretty smart, but she’s a mommy so of course, she is. Lyme disease is a real issue here and you just can’t be too careful or too prepared. We suggest having a few of these kits, at home, in the car, in your backpack… anywhere you might be near tick activity. We also want to remind you to call us for your at home tick protection. Our services are guaranteed and we think mommies that mist their yards so their kids can play outdoors are pretty smart too.