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.

7 Haircuts That’ll Flatter Your Face Shape and Emphasize Your Unique Facial Features

Small eyes are considered to be attractive, round faces give us a youthful look, and people with big ears are adorable, just look at Anne Hathaway! There are so many unique features out there that give us our own special charm.

Some people, however, want to fix these things anyway. That’s their choice, but we hope they keep in mind that they can actually do it without surgery. All they need to do is change their hairstyle.

1. Double chin

Cropped haircuts are a big no-no if you have a double chin. Instead, go for bangs and curls, layered, or face-framing haircuts. This way, you’ll draw attention to your hair and not your chin.

Remember that having layers is the trick. They add volume and give the illusion of a narrow face. For short haircut lovers out there, opt for a layered chin-length bob cut, but make sure to keep the ends unevenly cut.

2. Big nose

Choose hairstyles that widen your face so that your nose looks smaller. Different types of bangs do a great job: side-swept, curtain, or layered. You can do your hair up in a messy bun or a ponytail, letting a few strands fall on your head. Try to stay away from short and straight cuts.

3. Big forehead

Bobs with bangs, long or short hair with a central part, or razored bangs look great on people with big foreheads. According to a stylist, horizontal framing, lots of volume, and soft layers are the keys to balancing it all out.

4. Small eyes

Avoid blunt and thick haircuts and focus instead on short hairstyles or low-volume cuts. Bangs are okay, but as long as they don’t cover your eyes and forehead completely. Pixie haircuts accentuate eyes, especially if your eyebrows can be seen well.

5. Round face

Those who want to make their face appear more oval should definitely go for a shaggy wavy bob or face-framing balayage highlights. You can also add more volume on top and leave elongated locks by the sides. Stay away from sleek hairstyles and thick bangs, since horizontal lines will widen your face.

6. Oblong face

People with thin faces have more prominent noses, chins, and necks, and some haircuts can make their faces look even longer. Straight and long hair is a no, while hairstyles that add lots of volume are always welcome. Try a parted shaggy lob, an asymmetrical choppy lob, wispy-layered long hair, or a long wavy center-parted hairstyle.

7. Big ears

It’s not hard to cover ears, yet, it might be challenging to choose only one haircut out of all this diversity. Make sure there’s enough volume and fullness at the sides of your head, and let the hair stand away from the scalp a little bit. Bob haircuts or long and layered hair are a great choice.

How long have you had your current haircut? How easy is it for you to change it?

Preview photo credit TanyaLovus / Shutterstock.com, Valeriia Kogan / Unsplash.com