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.
- Use fine-tipped tweezers: Use clean, fine-tipped tweezers to grasp the tick as close to the skin as possible.
- 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.
- 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.
- Isolate the area: If you have identified the presence of ticks in a specific area, keep pets and children away from that space.
- Wear protective gear: Put on gloves and a long-sleeved shirt to protect yourself from potential tick bites.
- 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.
Seven Abandoned Puppies Felt Scared As They Kept Crying And Calling For Their Lost Mom
All puppies wish to be with their mom and feel her unconditional love. Her loving arms are the babies’ safe haven and the place where they feel at home.
The following story is about seven little pups who felt heartbroken after they lost their mother. Instead of showing them compassion and love, heartless people dumped them in a cemetery without caring for their fate.
The hungry babies couldn’t find any food or shelter at this desolate place.
As the siblings hugged each other, their eyes were filled with sorrow. They had nobody to count on.
Feeling lonely and frightened, the little furballs kept sobbing.
Now, more than ever, the babies needed kind-hearted people who would bring them a spark of hope. They yearned to feel loved and cared for.
The Hero That The Puppies Needed
A Good Samaritan happened to be driving along the road when she noticed the abandoned babies. The siblings were huddled together and they kept comforting each other.
After seeing their sorrowful eyes and the worried look on their faces, the woman felt brokenhearted.
She immediately parked her car and rushed to console and help the little canines. The kind-hearted human caressed them, and the puppies loved feeling the gentle touch of her hand.
The woman collected the pups and drove them home. She fed them and took excellent care of them.
The siblings felt glad and relieved because they were under her care. They became hopeful that their life was about to change.
Receiving A Lot Of Love
Since one of the puppies was sick, he started receiving medical care.
Owing to the exceptional care that he received, the little fur baby soon started recovering.
The babies enjoyed the warmth and comfort of their rescuer’s home. The canines’ little tails wagged as they played with their toys. They were thriving.
The giant-hearted woman snuggled with them, showering them with love. The fur babies soaked up all her affection.
There wasn’t a trace of sorrow left in their eyes. The puppies’ faces beamed with happiness and confidence.
They were ready to start looking for their forever home.
Luckily, all seven puppies found their happily ever after. Their forever parents fell deeply in love with the fur babies and promised to give them a life filled with happiness.
The furballs felt over the moon and they melted in their parents’ arms. The sweet canines finally found the unconditional love they always wished to have.
They will grow up knowing that they will always be adored and cared for. The puppies will never be left all alone.
We feel deep gratitude to the kind and compassionate human who rushed to the pups’ aid and helped them find loving homes.
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