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How to Prevent Tick Bites: Simple Steps for Staying Safe Outdoors
Ticks are small, blood-sucking parasites that can carry diseases such as Lyme disease, Rocky Mountain spotted fever, and other serious illnesses. To protect yourself and your loved ones from tick bites, follow these helpful tips.
1. Dress appropriately
When venturing into areas where ticks are commonly found, wear light-colored clothing, long sleeves, and pants. Tuck your pants into your socks to create a barrier that prevents ticks from crawling up your legs. Opt for closed-toe shoes and consider wearing a hat to protect your head and neck.
2. Apply insect repellent
Use EPA-registered insect repellents containing DEET, picaridin, IR3535, oil of lemon eucalyptus (OLE), para-menthane-diol (PMD), or 2-undecanone on exposed skin. Always follow the product's instructions for safe and effective application. Treat your clothing and gear with products containing 0.5% permethrin for added protection.
3. Avoid tick-infested areas
Ticks are often found in grassy, wooded, or brushy areas. Stay on cleared trails when hiking and avoid walking through tall grass or bushes. Keep your yard tidy by mowing the lawn regularly, removing leaf litter, and trimming back overgrown vegetation.
4. Check for ticks daily
After spending time outdoors, promptly perform a thorough tick check on your entire body. Pay special attention to areas where ticks are most likely to hide, such as behind the knees, in the armpits, around the waist, behind the ears, and in the hair. Don't forget to check your children and pets, too.
5. Shower promptly
Taking a shower within two hours of coming indoors can help wash off any unattached ticks and provides an opportunity to perform a thorough tick check.
6. Tumble dry clothes
Ticks can survive a regular wash cycle, so place your clothing in a dryer on high heat for at least 10 minutes to kill any remaining ticks.
7. Protect your pets
Use tick prevention products recommended by your veterinarian, such as collars, spot-on treatments, or oral medications. Regularly groom your pets and check them for ticks, especially after they have been outside.
By following these steps, you can reduce your risk of tick bites and enjoy the great outdoors without fear. If you do find a tick on your body, remove it carefully and monitor for any signs of illness. Contact your healthcare provider if you experience fever, rash, or other concerning symptoms following a tick bite.
