Deer tick fully attaches to man’s eyeball!

Wow!  Can ticks really do that?

Just when I thought that I had seen it all when it comes to ticks, I come across a post like this one.  Though, Healthline.com states that ticks commonly attach and embed themselves on the groin, behind the knee, under the arm,  inside the ear or bellybutton, or in the hair, it looks like this gentleman stumbled upon new tick frontiers when one attached and embedded itself to his eyeball.

Outdoor workers are very susceptible to tick invasions.

small ticks
Small nymph ticks are hard to identify with the naked eye!

Even this vigilant serviceman in Paintsville Lake, Kentucky, who practices proper tick protection while at work, was the perfect tick target!  This tiny tick, purported to be no larger than the tip of a writing pen, made its mischievous way right into his eye.  He, of course, noticed that something was in his eye.  After repeated attempts to rinse out what he thought was some sort of debris, the barely-visible speck was not budging and so painful that he had to seek medical attention.  The photos we see in the post are from the eye doctor.  Even magnified, this poppy seed-sized tick is difficult to identify!

What can outdoor workers do for personal tick protection?

tick protection
Outdoor workers must practice personal tick protection.

It is always recommended that those, who work outdoors, practice personal tick safety.  Using a repellent, such as DEET or permethrin on your clothing.  Wear long sleeves – the less exposed skin, the better!  Keep long hair pulled back, and be sure to check for ticks throughout the day, which might be hiding on your body.  Per this recent tick eyeball invasion, safety glasses are a great idea whenever possible, even if not required for outdoor workers!

What if you bring home a tick anyway?  Read about Central Mass tick removal and testing.

Dave Macchia, tick control enthusiast
Dave Macchia, Central Mass tick control enthusiast

As always, I urge all Central Mass residents to take advantage of professional tick control and protection for their home.  Keep your family and pets safe from the threat of ticks by eliminating up to 95% of ticks on your property with an EPA-registered tick control spray.