Tis the Season for Ticks

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Before You Go Outdoors

Ticks live in moist and humid environments, particularly in or near wooded or grassy areas. Walk in the center of trails and avoid leaf litter or shrubs.

Products containing permethrin kill ticks, which can be used to treat boots, clothing and camping gear and remains protective through several washings.

Use repellent containing 20% or more DEET on skin, which can protect up to several hours. Apply to children, avoiding the hands, eyes, and mouth. For detailed information about using DEET on children, see recommendations from the American Academy of Pediatrics.

After You Come Indoors

Bathe or shower as soon as possible.(preferably within two hours) to find ticks that may be on you and wash them off.

Conduct a full-body tick check for all parts of your body. Children should be checked under the arms, in and around the ears, inside the belly button, behind the knees, between the legs, around the waist, and especially in their hair.

Examine gear (coats, day packs, etc.) and pets. Ticks can ride into the home on clothing and pets, then attach to a person later.

Tumble dry clothes in a dryer on high heat for 10 minutes to kill ticks on dry clothing. If the clothes are damp, additional time may be needed. If the clothes require washing first, hot water is recommended. If the clothes cannot be washed in hot water, tumble dry on low heat for 90 minutes or high heat for 60 minutes. The clothes should be warm and completely dry.

What to Do if You Find an Attached Tick

Remove the attached tick as soon as possible. Using tweezers, grasp the tick as close to the skin as possible, and pull it straight out.

Watch for signs of illness such as rash or fever in the days and weeks following the bite. See a health care provider if these develop.

To learn more, click HERE.

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