Tick Safety: From the Vermont Department of Health

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Whenever you spend time outdoors, it’s possible there are ticks nearby. Take simple steps to protect yourself and your loved ones from tick bites and the illnesses they can spread.

The best way to prevent tick bite illnesses is to prevent tick bites. Before heading outdoors protect yourself from tick bites:

  1. Avoid areas where ticks live.
  2. Wear protective clothing and gear.
  3. Use insect repellent.
  4. Protect and check your pets.
Check your clothing, gear, and pets for ticks after spending time in tick habitats. Check your body by scanning under arms, in and around ears, around the waist, and between the legs.

Remove any attached ticks right away:

  1. Use clean, fine tipped tweezers or a tick removal tool and grasp the tick as close to the skin's surface as possible.
  2. Pull the tick upward with steady, even pressure.
  3. Clean your hands and the bite area with rubbing alcohol, soap, and water.
  4. Never crush a tick with your fingers.
Watch for symptoms for 30 days after a tick bite and tell your provider if you get sick.



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