[jimbo2012]

We are in the midst of unpredictable spring weather and plenty of possible tick attacks. Hate to be an alarmist but feel compelled to inform you of the dangers of these small eight legged arachnids, who are actually external parasites living on the blood of small mammals, birds & reptiles.

They are very adept at hiding in my favorite yard playing areas, tall grass, leaves & wooded areas. Anyway I am fortunate enough to have been adopted into a Pet loving family.
When you hang around them long enough you learn a few things, even though they don't think I'm interested or listening.

First off: In tick season We need to be checked every day. They love to hide & lodge in our ears, necks, skin folds & inside of our legs.

Secondly: When found they need to be removed with fine tweezers or tick removing apparatus. Grasp the tick at the point of attachment, close to the skin as possible. Do not squeeze the body, that can cause them to inject disease & bacteria into the bite sight. Pull straight out no twisting or turning.
They say not a bad idea to keep them in rubbing alcohol inside an air tight container in case they need to be analyzed.

OK now to discuss safety & preventive options: There are several good and effective products available to us:

Topical applications: Frontline, Advantix, Farnum Bio Spot, Zodiac & Natural Chemistry (has natural botanical extract formulas not containing pyrethrins or similar products)

These products are also available in sprays & powders for home & yard flea and tick control. They must always be used according to directions. Even though most of them include cat and Kitten products, directions must be read to be sure they are not toxic to cats.

.