Reduce your chances of being bitten by a tick by following some simple rules:
- Be aware of your surroundings and avoid areas with high grass and leaf litter. Ticks are also likely to be found on stonewalls, wood piles and bushes.
- Wear light colored long pants and a long-sleeved shirt. Tuck you pants into your socks to form a barrier and keep ticks out.
- Use effective tick repellents:
- Permethrin is an effective repellent that can be used on clothing, footwear and camping gear. You can also purchase Permethrin-treated clothing that repels and kills ticks and retains its effectiveness after laundering.
- DEET is also effective against ticks and can be applied directly on the skin. Do not use DEET in concentrations greater than 30% directly on the skin. Do not use DEET on infants younger than two months old.
- Other repellents that may be effective against ticks are Picaridin, oil of lemon eucalyptus and IR3535. Use the EPA’s search tool to help find and insect repellent that is right for you.
- Perform a tick check when you come indoors. Pay special attention to the head, armpits, groin and back of knees. Remove any ticks immediately and properly.
- Shower within a few hours of being outside. Use a rough cloth or shower sponge to help remove unattached ticks.
- Immediately place the clothing you wore outside in the dryer for 15 minutes on high heat.
- Check your pets for ticks. Do not allow pets on your be or upholstered furniture.
- Consult your veterinarian about treating your pets with tick repellents.
Tick Protection Products
- Permethrin (effective on clothing, footwear and camping gear; lasts up to six weeks or six washings)
- IR3535 (DEET free; safe for use on infants and children)
- Picaridin (DEET free; may be used on skin and clothing, etc.)
- Oil of lemon eucalyptus (should not be used on children under 3 years old)
- Cedar oil (may be used on skin, clothing, children and pets)
- Pre-treated clothing
- Send your own clothing to be treated
- Tick tubes for lawn and garden
Posted In: Lyme Disease
