Prevention Tips

Light-colored clothing

Wear light-colored clothing ─ makes it easier to spot ticks.

Long-sleeved clothing

Wear long-sleeved shirts and pants. Keep pant bottoms tucked into socks or boots.

Socks and shoes

Wear socks and enclosed shoes ─ not sandals.

Remain on trails

Remain on trails and avoid hiking through tall vegetation.

Apply repellants

Other repellents found to be as effective as DEET include: repellents with picaridin, oil of lemon eucalyptus or 2% soybean oil, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). (Their length of effectiveness equals products containing 10% DEET.)

Tick checks

Perform tick checks after you come in from outdoors. Check for ticks the following day, as well, since ticks will become engorged (larger from feeding) and may be easier to spot. Ticks prefer warm, moist areas where the skin is thin (behind the knees, groin, belly button, armpits, behind the ears, hairline).

Checking children for ticks

When checking small children for ticks, pay close attention to their scalp and neck region, since they’re lower to the ground.

Showers and ticks

Shower after being outdoors to wash off loose ticks, but remember water will not rinse off or kill attached ticks.

Protect your ticks

Protect your pets with tick repellents to reduce chances of ticks being brought indoors. Check outdoor pets for ticks. Merely rinsing off your dog or cat with water will not kill ticks.

Note: Deer ticks can be submerged in water for 2-3 days and remain alive. Check clothing carefully and place in hot dryer for 15 minutes before washing to effectively kill ticks.

Yard care

Keep yard clear of excessive vegetation and brush.