Think You Know Ticks? Let’s Bust Some Common Myths Today

Tick season runs from April through September, which just so happens to be the same time we all decide to go frolic in the woods. May and June are peak "new tick" season, so...right now. It's basically tick baby boom time, so now's the time to be extra cautious.

Here are 4 common myths that need to be squashed like, well... a tick.

1. You can remove a tick with perfume, Vaseline, or fire.

Nope. This isn’t a spa day or a camping horror story. Don’t light it on fire or smother it in goo. Grab fine-tipped tweezers, get close to the skin, and pull straight out—no twisting. Then wash up and disinfect like the grown-up you are.

2. You’ll definitely know if you’ve been bitten.

LOL, no. Tick bites are stealthy. I once had one hiding behind my ear like it paid rent there—didn’t feel a thing. And while a bullseye rash can appear, it doesn’t always. Flu-like symptoms weeks later? That might be your real clue.

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3. Every tick is a tiny disease missile.

Most aren’t—but deer ticks? They're the overachievers of the tick world. Up to 70% carry something nasty, compared to 5% of lone star ticks and just 1% of dog ticks. Deer ticks = tiny jerks.

4. A Lyme-carrying tick bite = you're doomed.

Not if you catch it early! If you remove the tick within 24 hours, you’re probably in the clear. Lyme bacteria take their sweet time—about a day—to move from tick tummy to your bloodstream.

So now you know: don't panic, do check for stowaways, and enjoy your summer—tick-free and drama-free.

Tickingly Yours,
Behka