In a chilling reminder for parents, a mother from Ohio recently recounted a frightening incident involving her young daughter and an infestation of seed ticks. Last summer, little Mia, just 3 years old, enjoyed a sunny day playing in the sprinkler before settling down for her nap. When her mom, Sarah Collins, went to change her, she was shocked to discover her daughter covered in over 150 tiny black specks—seed ticks.
Seed ticks are the juvenile stage of ticks, and their minuscule size makes them easy to overlook, often mistaken for dirt. “I initially thought they were just seeds and tried wiping them away, only to realize they were ticks!” Sarah shared on her Facebook post. “It took me nearly an hour and a half to painstakingly remove those little pests from her skin.”
Sarah describes the moment of realization: “When I attempted to brush them off with my hand, I noticed they weren’t budging. After a closer look, it hit me—these were tiny bugs clinging to her!” After hours of removing the ticks, bathing Mia, and administering Benadryl, Sarah cleaned all of her bedding. Now, a year later, she is sharing their story to raise awareness about the dangers of ticks as summer approaches.
Preventing Tick Bites
According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), ticks are most active from April to September. To prevent bites, they recommend steering clear of wooded areas and tall grass, staying on marked trails, and using insect repellent containing at least 20% DEET, picaridin, or IR3535. Parents should apply repellent carefully, avoiding children’s hands, eyes, and mouth. Furthermore, clothing can be treated with permethrin for added protection.
If a tick is discovered on you or your child, experts advise using tweezers to grasp the tick as close to the skin as possible and pull steadily upward without twisting. It’s important to remain calm, especially since seed ticks are even smaller than adult ticks, making removal a delicate process. Once removed, place the tick in rubbing alcohol and clean the bite area thoroughly.
If you find any ticks on yourself, it’s crucial to shower immediately and conduct a thorough body check for any additional hidden ticks. Pay close attention to areas like underarms, ears, and the belly button. While it may seem tedious, this process is quick and essential for preventing tick-borne illnesses. After checking your family, don’t forget to inspect any pets and wash all clothing worn during outdoor activities in hot water.
Sharing Their Experience
The day after Mia’s encounter, she woke up with a low-grade fever, rashes, and a swollen lymph node that required aggressive treatment and even surgery. “I’m sharing our experience to help other parents recognize the signs and take preventive measures,” Sarah emphasized. “If this helps even one family avoid a similar nightmare, it will be worth it.”
Additional Resources
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Conclusion
In summary, seed ticks can pose a serious risk, especially during the warmer months. Parents should remain vigilant and take proactive measures to protect their children from these tiny pests.
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