Hiking, biking, and other outdoor activities can be a fun way to spend the summer. However, these activities also invite the arrival of lice. If lice fall in the hair or stick to the scalp, remove them immediately using a comb, tongs, and a disinfectant. You can keep fleas to test them for disease. Otherwise, get rid of the fleas to prevent them from coming back.
Step
Method 1 of 3: Removing Unattended Ticks
Step 1. Ask someone to check your scalp
Make sure he wears gloves before starting. Ask him to check all areas of your head and scalp. Lice are so small that the seeker needs to find tiny brown or black spots on the skin.
- If you see a tick that doesn't stick, it's best to remove it using fingered gloves, a piece of tissue, or tongs.
- This job will be easier with the help of a partner, but if you have to do it alone, use a mirror to help you see your scalp.
Step 2. Comb the hair
Use a fine-toothed comb to comb through the hair and catch any hidden lice. If any lice fall or get caught in the comb, place them in a bowl of rubbing alcohol to kill them.
Step 3. Shampoo
Within two hours of entering the house, shower and wash with your regular shampoo. This will help rinse out the lice before they can attach themselves. If you clean yourself as soon as possible after returning home, the chances of fleas burrowing into your skin are reduced.
Method 2 of 3: Getting Rid of Sticking Ticks
Step 1. Separate the hair
You need to pull the hair off the lice so they can be picked up. Use a comb or toothbrush to brush away the hair. Try not to touch the tick. Remove lice from hair using clips.
Step 2. Pinch the tick with tongs
Try to clamp the head of the clamp as close to the surface of the skin as possible. If the skin swells, don't hold the tick's belly because it can release fluids that transmit disease.
- There are many tools that are sold to get rid of fleas. You can use these tools instead of tongs. The method of pulling the lice will remain the same.
- If you don't have tongs, you can try using gloved fingers or paper towels, but this will make the job more difficult. Try not to squeeze or crush the tick.
Step 3. Pull the tick straight out
Avoid twisting or jerking the tick so it doesn't break off and leave the mouthparts in the body. Instead, pull the tick perpendicular to the skin.
Step 4. Pat the disinfectant on the lice to kill germs
Dip a cotton swab in rubbing alcohol, iodine, antiseptic cream, or other disinfectant. Tap on the tick bite area. Wash your hands when finished.
Step 5. Avoid smearing or burning the lice
Do not try to smear the lice with nail polish or petroleum jelly (such as Vaseline) while they are still attached. What's more, burning fleas can also injure you. All of these methods can allow the tick to penetrate deeper into the skin or release disease-causing fluids into the body.
Step 6. See a doctor if you can't get rid of the lice
If you're having trouble getting rid of fleas on your own, see your doctor right away for help. For two weeks after the tick has been removed, see a doctor for symptoms, such as a rash, fever, joint pain, or swelling at the bite.
Ticks can carry various diseases, such as Lyme disease, Colorado tick fever, or Rocky Mountain spotted fever
Method 3 of 3: Getting Rid of Fleas
Step 1. Put the tick in a safe container if you want to test it for disease
You can use jars, ziplock bags, or other sealed containers. If you develop symptoms within two weeks of the bite, take this jar to the doctor. He will do a test on the fleas.
- If you want to keep the tick for testing, don't squeeze, burn, or put it in alcohol. Just keep it in the container and leave it until it's time to test.
- Medical testing can be quite expensive. Even if fleas carry disease, it doesn't mean you've been infected.
Step 2. Glue the tick if you want to identify the species
Attach the tick to a strong piece of paper using transparent tape. This way, the tick remains confined until you can determine its type. Different species usually carry certain diseases. If you fall ill, this information can help your doctor make a diagnosis.
- You can take the tick to a doctor or find the species yourself with the help of the internet.
- Black-legged ticks tend to transmit Lyme disease while lone star ticks and dog ticks can carry Rocky Mountain disease.
Step 3. Submerge the tick in alcohol to kill it
If you don't intend to keep lice, kill them with alcohol. Fill a cup or bowl with rubbing alcohol, and immerse the tick in it. Leave it for a few minutes. This method is effective in killing fleas.
Step 4. Flush fleas in the toilet to get rid of them permanently
To be safe, you should not throw fleas in the trash. Wrap the tick in a tissue, then flush it in the toilet. This method ensures that the fleas leave the house.
Step 5. Be careful when you go out you don't get fleas
The next time you go outside, try to prevent the ticks from moving onto your body. There are many things you can do to reduce the risk of flea bites.
- Use insect repellent that contains DEET. If you have kids, spray on them.
- Use permethrin on all outdoor clothing and gear. You can usually buy this remedy at an outdoor supply store.
- Check for fleas on everyone when they enter the house. Pay special attention to your arms, knees, hips, belly button, ears, and hair. Don't forget to check out the pets too!
- Once back in the house, put the clothes in the dryer on a high heat setting to kill any fleas that might be hiding in the clothes.
- Brightly colored clothing allows you to see the tick more easily. Wear long sleeves, long pants, and boots whenever possible. Tuck your shirt into your pants, and your pants into your shoes.
