If you spot something like this in your garden, do not ignore it! Make sure to burn or destroy it immediately. I noticed a bunch in my neighbor’s garden, and she had no idea what they were. Everyone needs to be aware of this! Check the first comment for more details…!

Ticks may be small, but their impact can be serious. These blood-sucking parasites can latch onto pets and people without notice, carrying dangerous diseases like Lyme disease, ehrlichiosis, and Rocky Mountain spotted fever. I learned this the hard way last summer when my dog unexpectedly became a “tick magnet” during our daily walks.

One evening, I discovered three ticks clinging to him—in his ears, neck, and belly. I’d never removed a tick before, and while I stayed calm on the outside, I was internally freaking out. Thankfully, I learned the proper way to handle it: I used fine-tipped tweezers to grasp each tick as close to the skin as possible, pulling upward slowly and steadily. It’s important not to twist, jerk, or squeeze the body, as that can leave parts behind or spread infection. Afterward, I disinfected everything, including my hands and tools.

Later, I learned it’s smart to save the tick in a sealed container for testing if symptoms appear. I also took my dog to the vet the next day, just to be safe.

Since that experience, I’ve become more proactive: I use monthly tick preventatives, avoid tall grass, check for ticks after every outing, and keep our yard trimmed. I even wear long sleeves and light clothing on hikes to help spot ticks early.

Ticks are more than a nuisance—they’re a real threat. But with the right knowledge, tools, and calmness, they’re manageable. That stressful summer taught me how to handle ticks—and the importance of staying calm and prepared under pressure.