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.
Richard Gere, 75, Steps Out with His Wife – But Everyone’s Talking About This Surprising Detail!
Even in his 70s, Richard Gere still makes women swoon. Earlier this month, he attended an event wearing a black tuxedo. His wife, Alejandra Silva, 41, joined him in a sparkling cream and silver dress.
The couple attended the Zurich Film Festival in Switzerland. Gere looked sharp in his black tux, white shirt, and bow tie.
Silva’s sleeveless dress showed off her toned arms and glowing skin. She wore silver heels, and together, they walked the red carpet arm-in-arm, looking very happy.
While many love the couple, some had different opinions. One person commented, “She’s much younger, but hey, it’s their life. I don’t like her dress here.”
Others noticed something else interesting. One person wrote, “I thought it was Julia Roberts,” while another said, “She kinda looks like Julia Roberts.”
These comments are even more intriguing because of the connection Gere has with Julia Roberts. The two starred together in the hit 1990 movie, *Pretty Woman*.
Just like the chemistry Gere had with Roberts on-screen, he shares the same spark with his wife in real life. Alejandra Silva has expressed her deep love for Gere, saying, “I never thought I’d find a man so perfect for me. I have no words to describe my happiness.”
She has also talked about their age difference, saying she doesn’t feel it because Gere is so active. In fact, she sometimes struggles to keep up with him! Silva humorously added, “He has promised me at least 20 good years!”
Silva also said that she gives Gere the stability he needs. She shared, “It helped that I wasn’t an actress or a model. I never had any interest in that. What has brought us closest is our desire to help others in need, our commitment to Buddhism, and our support for the Tibetan people.”
She mentioned that Gere appreciates and values her work as a humanitarian. Besides his wife, Gere is often joined by his son, Homer Gere, who he shares with his ex-wife Carey Lowell.
The father and son were recently seen arriving at the 81st Venice Film Festival by a small boat. A video shared on social media showed Gere and Homer happily waving to the cheering crowd.
We send our best wishes to Richard Gere, his wife, and his son. Share this with other fans of the actor who might want to learn more about his life and recent public appearances.
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