Tick Talk: How to Stay Safe This Spring

As the weather warms up and we head back to the trails and gardens, it’s not just the flowers that are emerging—ticks are becoming active, too. While these tiny hitchhikers are common in the outdoors, a few simple habits can keep your family safe while enjoying the fresh air.

Prevent the Bite

The best defense is a good offense. When heading into wooded or grassy areas, try to wear long sleeves and light-colored clothing; it makes it much easier to spot a dark tick crawling on you. For added protection, use an EPA-registered insect repellent containing DEET or picaridin. Once you’re back inside, remember the "20-Minute Rule": Toss your clothes in the dryer on high heat for 20 minutes to kill any ticks that might be hiding in the fabric.

The 24-Hour Check

Ticks generally need to be attached for 24 to 48 hours to transmit diseases like Lyme disease, which is why daily tick checks are so effective. Focus on "hidden" spots like:

• Behind the knees

• Around the waist

• In and around the hair/scalp

• Inside the elbows

Proper Removal

If you do find a tick, don’t panic—and skip the "old wives' tales" like using dish soap or a lit match. Use a pair of fine-tipped tweezers to grasp the tick as close to the skin's surface as possible. Pull upward with steady, even pressure. Afterward, clean the bite area and your hands with rubbing alcohol or soap and water.

Pro-Tip: If you develop a rash or fever within a few weeks of removing a tick, give your primary care provider a call at 712.755.4516 to be safe!