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.
Meghan Markle shares a new photo of her daughter Lilibet
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle stepped down from their royal duties nearly four years ago, yet public speculation about their decision continues. The couple has cited their desire to escape the intense media spotlight as one of the key reasons for their departure.
However, many have questioned this reasoning, as Harry and Meghan have remained in the public eye through high-profile interviews, book releases, and engagements that resemble official royal duties.
Despite their ongoing media presence, they have made concerted efforts to keep their children out of the public eye.
Harry’s complicated relationship with the media is well-documented. He has long believed that the relentless pursuit of his mother, Princess Diana, by paparazzi contributed to her tragic death.
When their son, Archie, was born, Harry was reluctant to share details about the birth. However, he ultimately followed royal tradition and presented Archie to the public outside Portland Hospital in London. The couple released a statement at the time, saying, “Today, The Duke and Duchess of Sussex are delighted to share their first public moment as a family.”
Since then, only a handful of photos of Archie have been made public. The same has been true for their daughter, Lilibet, who was born in the United States.
That changed with the release of their six-part Netflix documentary, which offered an intimate glimpse into their family life at their Montecito, California, home—previously described as “Fort Knox” due to its strict security measures. The documentary included rare footage of Archie and Lilibet, giving fans a closer look at the young royals.
When Lili turned one, the Sussexes held a small picnic celebration at Frogmore Cottage, their former UK residence. Photos from the event were shared on social media.
Beyond that, public sightings of Archie and Lilibet have been rare—until recently. In December 2024, the couple released their family Christmas card, which featured six personal photos, including one that captured a glimpse of Archie and Lilibet.
One detail that stood out to many was Lilibet’s striking auburn hair.h
The festive card also included photos of the family’s three beloved dogs—Guy, Pula, and Momma Mia—as well as snapshots from their travels, including visits to Nigeria and Colombia.
The caption read: “On behalf of the office of Prince Harry and Meghan, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, Archewell Productions, and Archewell Foundation, we wish you a very Happy Holiday Season and a joyful New Year.”
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