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Tick-borne Disease Prevention
Preventing tick bites is the best way to reduce the risk of tick-borne
disease. Ticks are present in a variety of environments, but are commonly found
in wooded or leafy areas. Depending on the species and the stage of the life
cycle, many ticks can be difficult to see. Fortunately, simple steps can be
taken to help prevent tick bites.
Apply repellent to help prevent ticks from attaching to the skin.
Repellents containing DEET can be applied directly to the skin and can offer
several hours of protection. Repellents containing permethrin can be applied to
clothing and shoes and can last through several washings. Always follow product
instructions when applying repellent!
Wear white or light-colored clothing so you can see if any ticks are
crawling on your clothes. Wear long pants and long-sleeved shirts when you are
in areas where ticks are likely to be present. Tuck your pants legs into your
socks so that ticks cannot crawl up the inside of your pants.
Walk in the center of the trail to avoid contact with vegetation in
tick-infested areas.
Check your body and your child's body for ticks after spending time in
an area where ticks may be present. Use a hand-held or full-length mirror to
check the entire body. Pay special attention to feet and legs, as some ticks are
small enough to crawl through socks and into shoes. If you find any ticks,
remove them immediately.
Check your pets and your clothing for ticks. Ticks can come into the
house on clothing and pets. If you find any ticks, remove them immediately. To
prevent ticks on dogs and cats, put on tick medicine or a tick collar. Be sure
to follow package directions and maintain your pet under the care of a
veterinarian.
Prevent tick infestations around your home by using landscaping
techniques to create a tick-free zone. For additional information on controlling
ticks around the home, visit
http://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/dvbid/lyme/Prevention/ld_Prevention_Control.htm.
Tick removal
If you find a tick attached, it should be removed immediately. The longer an
infected tick is attached, the greater the chance that it will transmit the
pathogen. Ticks should be removed with a pair of fine-tipped tweezers. Grasp the
tick as close to the skin's surface as possible. Pull upward with a steady, even
motion. Do not jerk or twist the tick. Doing so may cause the mouthparts of the
tick break off, or stay attached to the skin. If this happens, remove the
mouthparts with the tweezers. Be careful not to squeeze or crush the tick. The
tick's fluids may contain infectious organisms. Do not handle ticks with bare
hands or remove ticks from pets without gloves or tweezers. After removing the
tick, disinfect the bite site and wash hands thoroughly with soap and water. You
may wish to save the tick for identification in case you become ill 2-3 weeks
after the bite. To do so, place the tick in a sealed plastic bag, write the date
of the bite on a piece of paper in pencil and place it in the bag. Place the bag
in the freezer.
Graphics courtesy of CDC
Other Resources
Centers for Disease
Control and Prevention (CDC) Stop Ticks!
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