Tick Bite Prevention: The Steps You Can Take
Know how to protect yourself and your family as seasonal tick activity increases.
As the weather warms, more people spend time outdoors working in the yard, walking trails, gardening, fishing, and enjoying local parks. That also means greater exposure to ticks. Due to an unusually warm and wet March, ticks are already quite active in central and east-central Illinois.
Preventing tick exposure is an important part of health maintenance. Throughout the United States, ticks can carry a variety of diseases, some of which can cause chronic and severe illness. A few simple precautions can help protect you, your children, and your pets from this unnecessary risk.
Know Where Ticks Hide
Being aware of where ticks tend to hide is one of the first steps in preventing bites. Ticks are found not only in the woods, but also in tall grass, weedy areas, brushy borders, and leaf litter. That means you can be exposed while doing ordinary outdoor activities such as mowing, gardening, playing outside, or walking your dog.
Dress for Protection
When you are spending time in areas where ticks may be present, wear long sleeves, long pants, socks, and closed-toe shoes. Light-colored clothing can help you spot ticks on yourself and others more easily.
If you expect to walk through taller grass or brush, tuck your pants into your socks for added protection. Stay in the center of trails and avoid brushing up against weeds and overgrown vegetation when possible.
Use Repellents Carefully and Consistently
An EPA-registered insect repellent can help reduce your risk of tick bites. Products with ingredients such as DEET and picaridin are recommended. If those are not an option, oil of lemon eucalyptus may be helpful when used according to label directions.
Clothing, shoes, and outdoor gear can be treated with permethrin products made for that purpose. Remember: Repellents work best when they're used correctly, so always follow package instructions, especially when applying products to children.
Check Yourself, Your Children, and Your Pets
One of the most important habits after spending time outdoors is doing a full tick check. Look carefully at the scalp, behind the ears, under the arms, around the waist, behind the knees, and in other warm or hidden areas. Parents should check children carefully, especially after outdoor play.
Pets should also be checked, since they can bring ticks into the home. Showering soon after coming indoors may help wash off unattached ticks and give you another chance to inspect your skin.
Handle Clothing and Gear the Right Way
Ticks can ride indoors on clothing, shoes, backpacks, blankets, and outdoor gear. Inspect gear and pet items before bringing them fully into the house. If you have been in a tick-prone area, place clothes in a dryer on high heat to kill ticks before washing.
Remove Ticks Promptly and Correctly
If you find a tick attached to the skin, remove it as soon as possible using clean, fine-tipped tweezers. Grasp the tick as close to the skin as you can and pull upward with steady, even pressure. Avoid twisting, crushing, or using home remedies such as petroleum jelly, nail polish, or a hot match. After removal, clean the bite area and your hands with soap and water, rubbing alcohol, or hand sanitizer.
Know When to Call a Healthcare Provider
If a tick has bitten you, note the date of the bite. Keep an eye on the bite area and watch for symptoms in the days and weeks that follow.
Contact a healthcare provider if you develop a rash, fever, fatigue, body aches, or other unusual symptoms after a tick bite. Early attention is important, especially if you have spent time in grassy or wooded areas where ticks are active.
Enjoying the outdoors is one of the pleasures of spring and summer. The Moultrie County Health Department reminds everyone that tick bite prevention can help make those moments safer. Small prevention habits can protect your health for a lifetime.