Lyme disease, a bacterial disease, can be transmitted through some species of bacteria, namely Borrelia mayonii and Borrelia burgdorferi. It is transmitted by the bite of an infected deer tick, which is also called a black-legged tick. One is more likely to acquire this condition if they spend hours in grasslands or heavily wooded areas without protection.

In order to prevent Lyme disease, you should follow a few methods. They are:

Cover up

Wearing clothes that fully cover a person from head to toe while they spend their time in the woods or grasslands can help. The chances of one getting bitten by a tick while fully covered are quite less.

Use insect repellents

One should apply insect repellents that contain more than 20% of DEET. It is important to apply these products with caution and follow the instructions given as they can be toxic to humans as well. These repellents contain products like picaridin, oil of lemon and eucalyptus, para menthane diol, etc. Products that contain permethrin must be applied only on clothing and not directly on one’s skin. This is one of the best methods for Lyme disease prevention.

Tick proof your yards

By clearing plants and bushes that have an infestation of ticks can safeguard a home from Lyme disease. Mowing one’s lawn regularly can help too. Moreover, you can use chemicals to reduce the tick infestation. Since this condition mostly spreads due to deer ticks, discourage the entry of deer by fencing one’s yard.

Check your clothing

Always check yourself and your clothes for any insects or ticks, especially after a day out in the woods or places with lots of insects. Deer ticks are very small and can be hard to spot until searched carefully. Showering can help remove them from one’s body. Inspect your arms, back of the knees, in and around the ears, in the belly button, and around the waist carefully.

Remove ticks when spotted

Grasp the tick near its head and pull steadily without squeezing it with fine-tipped tweezers as soon as it has been noticed. Once it is removed from the skin, flush it down or dispose of it in an alcohol solution. Rub the bite with an antiseptic. If the tick has only been attached to one’s skin for less than 24 hours, there is very little chance of developing Lyme disease.

Be wary of an unusual fever and rashes

What one might assume to be a normal rash or fever could actually be a symptom of being bitten by a tick. It’s best to get it checked at a clinic.

It is better to prevent the disease before acquiring it, as untreated Lyme disease can cause chronic joint inflammation, neurological disorders, memory problems, and cardiac rhythm irregularities.