Summer is in full swing and so is tick activity. Whether you’re hiking, gardening, or just enjoying time in the backyard, it’s important to protect yourself and your family from ticks and the illnesses they may carry – like lyme disease, ehrlichiosis, and more.
Here’s what you need to know to stay safe:
Where are ticks found?
Ticks love:
- Tall grasses and brush
- Wooded or shaded areas
- Leaf litter and forest edges
- Along trails or fence lines
Even your own yard can be a risk if there are trees, animals, or overgrown vegetation nearby.
Tick Safety Tips
1. Dress for Protection
- Wear long sleeves and pants; tuck pants into socks.
- Choose light-colored clothing to spot ticks more easily.
- Use EPA-registered insect repellent.
2. Do a Tick Check
After spending time outdoors, check:
- Hairline and scalp
- Behind ears and knees
- Underarms and waistband
- Around the waist and ankles
- On pets and gear
3. Shower Soon After Being Outdoors
Showering within two hours can reduce the risk of tick-borne illness and help wash off ticks before they attach.
4. Remove Ticks Promptly
If you find a tick:
- Use fine-tipped tweezers to grasp it as close to the skin as possible.
- Pull upward with steady, even pressure.
- Clean the area with soap and water or rubbing alcohol.
- Don’t twist, crush, or use remedies like petroleum jelly.
5. Watch for Symptoms
Tick-borne illness symptoms can include:
- Fever or chills
- Fatigue
- Headache or muscle aches
- Rash (bullseye pattern with Lyme disease)
Contact your provider if you experience any of these symptoms within a few weeks of a tick bite, even if you’re unsure when it happened.
Pet Owners, Take Note:
Use vet-approved tick prevention year-round and check them regularly, especially after walks in grassy or wooded areas.
Create a Tick-Safe Yard
- Keep grass trimmed and leaves raked.
- Stack wood neatly and away from play areas.
- Create a barrier of wood chips or gravel between lawns and wooded areas.
- Keep outdoor seating areas away from dense vegetation.
Enjoy the outdoors but be smart. Awareness and simple precautions can help you stay safe all season long from tick-borne illness.
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