(Uberprutser via Wikimedia Commons)
North Hempstead Town Supervisor Judi Bosworth and the Town Board are reminding residents on how to prevent and reduce the risk of being bitten by ticks when going outdoors.
Ticks are small arachnids that can bite humans and transmit diseases that are possibly life-threatening. These diseases include Lyme disease; with symptoms including rashes and redness to more harmful symptoms such as headaches and fevers. Often these bites go unnoticed. It is critical that ticks are removed quickly to prevent illness.
“It is so important for residents to take precautions when going into more grassy and wooded areas,” Bosworth said. “While many insect bites are harmless, some can possibly lead to more serious illnesses. It is best to take precautions to prevent getting bitten.”
Tick prevention tips include:
• Trying to stick to trails when traveling in the wilderness and avoid areas with lots of grass and brush.
• Wear light colored and protective clothing when going outdoors.
• When returning from the outdoors, put clothes in the dryer for about 15 minutes to kill any live ticks on them.
• After returning home, take a shower and do a full body check for any tick bites.
• Remove the tick as soon as possible. Use tweezers to get close to the skin and remember to be careful when removing the head of the tick.
For more information, view the town’s Tick public service announcement online at
www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZyX8bstNNfY.
—Submitted by Town of North Hempstead
