Preventing Tick Bites for Health and Safety

To prevent tick bites, focus on avoiding tick habitats, using repellents, and wearing protective clothing. Regularly check your body, clothing, and gear for ticks after spending time outdoors in grassy, wooded, or brushy areas. Prompt removal of any attached ticks is crucial.

Understanding Tick Habitats

Ticks are commonly found in:

• Tall grass
• Wooded areas
• Leaf litter
• Gardens
• Around stone walls

Protective Measures

Clothing and Gear

• Wear long sleeves and pants tucked into socks.
• Choose light-colored clothing to easily spot ticks.
• Consider permethrin-treated clothing and gear for added protection.

Repellents

Use EPA-approved insect repellents containing ingredients like DEET, picaridin, or oil of lemon eucalyptus on exposed skin.

Tick Checks and Removal

Body and Clothing Inspections

After outdoor activities, conduct thorough tick checks:

1. Check your entire body, including scalp, ears, and underarms.
2. Examine your clothing and outdoor gear.
3. Shower soon after coming indoors.

Proper Tick Removal

If a tick is found attached:

1. Use fine-tipped tweezers to grasp the tick as close to the skin's surface as possible.
2. Pull upward with steady, even pressure. Avoid twisting or jerking the tick.
3. Clean the bite area and your hands with rubbing alcohol or soap and water.

Methods of Tick Prevention

Method	Effectiveness	Duration of Protection	Cost (Estimate)
Wearing Protective Clothing	High (physical barrier)	Constant	Variable (depends on clothing)
Using EPA-Approved Repellents	High (when applied correctly)	Several hours (reapplication needed)	Low to Moderate
Permethrin Treatment of Gear	Very High	Up to several washes	Moderate