If you find a tick inside your home, here’s what you need to know

Nature is the home to an incredibly versatile array of species, but ticks are definitely one of those that we tend to avoid at all costs.

These tiny arachnids, that are related to spiders, mites, and scorpions, are in fact parasites that survive by attaching themselves to larger animals and feeding on their blood. Humans aren’t spared either. Sadly, these insects carry harmful bacteria that can spread disease to people.

Sadly, tick-borne diseases are at an all-time high, with about 50,000 cases reported each year, and far more going unreported.

There are different types of ticks, and unfortunately, they sometimes find their way to people’s homes. The types most commonly found in homes are the black-legged tick, the dog tick, and the brown dog tick.

• Black-legged Ticks – known as deer ticks, these ticks are typically brown or black in color and have a flattened, oval-shaped body. They are commonly found in wooded areas and can transmit Lyme disease.
• Dog Ticks are larger and can range in color from brown to reddish-brown. They have a tough, shield-shaped body. Dog ticks can transmit diseases such as Rocky Mountain spotted fever.
• Brown Dog Ticks are brown in color and have a slender body.

Although the tick season is between March and October, or sometimes longer, we should be wary of this insects all year round. In fact,if beaten by a tick, a person can develop symptoms even after two or three months.

The bite itself isn’t painful and can cause swelling, itchiness, blistering, and bruising. The bad thing is that ticks also carry and transmit severe diseases, most commonly Lyme disease, as well as Rocky Mountain spotted fever, ehrlichiosis, and babesiosis.

Initially, Lyme disease develops as a circular red ‘bull’s eye’ rash around the site of a tick bite. However, not everyone gets a rash and you should also watch out for a flu-like illness with fever, headache, tiredness and general aches and pains.

The best way to prevent being bitten by a tick is to avoid tall grasses and areas where ticks thrive (such as moorlands and woodlands), especially during the warmer months.

In case you do get bitten, you should remove the tick as soon as possible in order to prevent infections.

These are some of the ways of safe removal.

1. Use fine-tipped tweezers: Use clean, fine-tipped tweezers to grasp the tick as close to the skin as possible.
2. Pull gently: Apply steady upward pressure, being careful not to squeeze or crush the tick. Aim to remove the tick in one smooth motion without twisting or jerking. Twisting or jerking can cause the tick’s head to break off and stay inside the skin, where it can still transmit disease.
3. Clean the area: After removing the tick, clean the affected area with soap and water or an antiseptic solution. Monitor the site of the bite for any signs of infection or a rash, and consult a healthcare professional if necessary.

If by any chance ticks find their way into your home, take immediate action in order to prevent infestation. Most times, ticks are brought into your home in case they stick on your clothes or onto your pets.

1. Isolate the area: If you have identified the presence of ticks in a specific area, keep pets and children away from that space.
2. Wear protective gear: Put on gloves and a long-sleeved shirt to protect yourself from potential tick bites.
3. Clean the area: Clean the area where you found the tick. If it is in bedding, wash the sheets. Inspect the area to ensure there are no more ticks that are present. Dispose of the tick by either flushing it down the toilet or sealing it in a container or ziplock bag before placing it in the trash.

Sofia Vergara is in shock

Barry Peele, a longtime friend and real estate agent who passed away at the age of 61, was honored by Olivia Culpo.

The Griselda actress created a charming Instagram slideshow featuring images of the couple taken over the years.

She captioned the photo, writing, “@barrypeele [heart]U, my life will never be the same without you.”

Barry’s cause of death is still unknown.

Supporters of 51-year-old Sofia have been expressing their condolences for the real estate agent in comments.

online after his passing.

Christian stated, “It makes me very sad to tell you that our dear friend and colleague Barry Peele has passed away suddenly.”

“Barry was a devoted and knowledgeable representative of the company for an extended period. He will be known as a wonderful individual who loved to spend time with his closest friends—many of whom were also his clients—and who lived life to the fullest.

“A lot of you have worked directly beside him. He will undoubtedly be missed. Gary, I hope you’re at peace.

Barry initially gained notoriety in the real estate industry, but he was also a producer.

He worked on the film Rize (2005), which took home the Golden Kinnaree Award for Best Documentary.

In addition, he contributed to the 2008 film I Am Because We Are.