Tick Prevention for Humans Varies Between Socio-Economic Levels

Tick prevention for humans varies between socio-economic levels, influencing how individuals protect themselves against tick-borne diseases. As part of a TickNET collaboration, researchers examined knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors related to tick-borne disease prevention among people living in endemic areas of Connecticut and Maryland.¹

Among nearly 2,000 individuals surveyed, the most common prevention behaviors included performing tick checks and applying tick control to pets.

Overall, participants reported using the following tick bite prevention methods most of the time or always: pet tick control (83%); tick checks (58%); showering/bathing (42%); insect repellent (31%); and chemical (23%) or natural (15%) pesticides on property.

These findings highlight the importance of consistent tick prevention strategies to reduce the risk of Lyme disease.

Socio-Economic Differences in Tick Prevention

The authors found that tick prevention behaviors differed across socio-economic levels.

“Those with a higher education level and incomes may choose more expensive options such as property measures, including lawn treatments and landscaping,” writes Niesobecki.

For example, incomes over $100,000 were significantly associated with applying chemical or natural pesticides to property. However, individuals with higher incomes were less likely to practice personal prevention behaviors.

[bctt tweet=”Study finds most pet owners surveyed apply tick control to their pets, but do not apply insect repellent to themselves regularly.” username=”DrDanielCameron”]

Personal Protection Behaviors

Individuals with lower educational levels were more likely to engage in personal protection behaviors, including checking for ticks, showering after outdoor exposure, using insect repellents, and applying pet tick control products.

These behaviors are important for identifying early Lyme disease symptoms and reducing the risk of infection.

Why Do These Differences Exist?

The authors speculated that occupational exposure may play a role. Individuals with lower education levels may be more likely to work outdoors in jobs such as landscaping or yard maintenance, increasing their awareness and use of personal protection measures.

Differences may also reflect varying perceptions about the acceptability and safety of insect repellent use.

Understanding these differences can help guide more targeted public health messaging and improve early diagnosis of Lyme disease by encouraging consistent prevention behaviors across all populations.

Dr. Daniel Cameron, MD, MPH
Lyme disease clinician with over 30 years of experience and past president of ILADS.

Symptoms • Testing • Coinfections • Recovery • Pediatric • Prevention