It’s time to put together a Tick Kit. Yes, you heard me right. A Tick Kit.
I might be a little obsessed, but I prefer to call it being “informed.” This isn’t just a trivial concern; it’s a reality that can affect anyone, regardless of age or lifestyle. If you know someone who has faced Lyme disease, you understand the toll it takes. You’ve seen the struggles, and you certainly don’t want to experience them yourself. If that resonates with you, then you’re already on the right track. Feel free to skip the rest of this introduction.
But for those of you who might be saying, “We don’t live in a high-risk area,” or “We don’t spend much time outdoors,” or “I’m healthy and active,” let me be clear: These justifications are not enough. Lyme disease has been diagnosed in seemingly healthy individuals who don’t engage in outdoor activities like camping or hiking.
Perhaps you’re thinking, “I use tick repellent,” or “I check my kids for ticks regularly.” That’s fantastic! However, there’s still more to consider.
Imagine you notice a small dark spot on your child’s skin. Initially, it doesn’t seem like a big deal. But as you inspect it closer, you realize it’s actually a tick. The clock is ticking, and time is crucial.
Every moment that tick is attached, it could be transmitting Lyme disease, Babesia, Bartonella, and other co-infections. Ticks often carry multiple infections, and these diseases can transfer from animals to humans through bites. Ticks are capable of harboring numerous pathogens, sometimes transmitting multiple diseases in a single bite.
So what do you do? Stay calm. You’ve likely read about tick removal before. But as you take the time to look up instructions, the tick is still feeding. You need a plan.
This is why you need a Tick Kit. It’s simple: a pair of fine-tipped tweezers, alcohol swabs, index cards or Post-it notes, a Sharpie, and some tape, all packed in a Ziploc bag. You may already have these items at home, but do you know where they are? If your household is anything like mine, tweezers have a mysterious tendency to vanish and reappear in unexpected places. This can cost you precious time when dealing with a tick.
I’ve found specialized tweezers that are particularly effective for tick removal. While any tweezers will do, the fine tip is excellent for extracting ticks, especially from sensitive areas like the scalp, without leaving parts of the tick behind.
So, please, create a Tick Kit. Better yet, make two—one for your home and one for your car, especially if you plan to travel this summer. Once your kit is assembled, return to read the rest of this guide.
Steps for Removing a Tick:
- Use fine-tipped tweezers to grasp the tick as close to the skin as possible.
- Pull upward with steady, even pressure. Avoid twisting or jerking the tick, as this can break off parts of it, which may remain in the skin. If that occurs, you’ll need to remove the remnants with tweezers.
- Do not use home remedies like nail polish or heat to detach the tick. Your goal is to remove it quickly, not wait for it to come off on its own. Putting peppermint oil on the tick may cause it to regurgitate into the bite, which is counterproductive.
- Secure the tick to an index card or Post-it note. Write down the date, time, and location of the bite. This information can be crucial for healthcare providers if symptoms arise.
- Clean the bite area with rubbing alcohol.
After successfully removing the tick and cleaning the site, monitor both the area and your child closely. Symptoms of tick-borne illnesses often do not appear immediately; they can take days to manifest. Look for flu-like symptoms such as fever, muscle aches, and headaches, or a characteristic “bullseye” rash.
You also have the option to send the tick for testing. By sending it to the Laboratory of Medical Zoology at the University of Massachusetts, you contribute to vital research on tick populations and the pathogens they carry. This data can help scientists understand the current distribution of ticks and their associated diseases.
Testing ticks is straightforward: visit TickReport.com for instructions. This can help assess the risk level of the tick and inform your healthcare provider.
If I found a deer tick embedded in my child’s skin, I wouldn’t hesitate to take her to urgent care for Lyme disease treatment. Having experienced the pain associated with it, I would much rather be overly cautious and administer a potentially unnecessary round of antibiotics than risk allowing the disease to take hold. Early intervention with antibiotics has proven effective, particularly within the first month of infection.
In essence, we prepare for various negative life events—insurance for our homes, cars, and health. Planning doesn’t mean we expect something bad to happen; it simply means we are responsible.
So please take a moment to gather your Tick Kit. Once you have assembled it, snap a photo and share it using #tickinsurance. Show that you are proactive in safeguarding your family’s health.
Summary
Assembling a Tick Kit is an essential step in preparing for the risk of tick-borne illnesses like Lyme disease. The kit should include fine-tipped tweezers, alcohol swabs, and index cards, and be readily accessible in your home and vehicle. Understanding proper tick removal techniques and the importance of monitoring for symptoms is crucial. Additionally, consider sending ticks for testing to contribute to ongoing research. Being prepared is a responsible choice that can protect your family’s health.