10/16/2026
Be Tick Smart: Protect Yourself and Your Family
Follow these tips to stay safe:
✅ Protect Yourself
Use EPA-registered repellents with DEET on exposed skin and permethrin on clothing.
Wear long pants, long sleeves, and tuck pant legs into socks.
Walk in the center of trails and avoid tall grass and brush.
Wear light-colored clothing to easily spot ticks.
🧼 Check for Ticks
Shower and perform full-body tick checks within 2 hours of being outdoors.
Check children and pets for ticks.
Inspect gear and clothing for ticks.
🧹 Remove Ticks Promptly
Use fine-tipped tweezers to grasp the tick as close to the skin's surface as possible.
Pull upward with steady, even pressure.
Clean the bite area and your hands with rubbing alcohol, an iodine scrub, or soap and water.
Dispose of the tick by flushing it down the toilet, placing it in alcohol, placing it in a sealed bag/container, or wrapping it tightly in tape.
👀 Watch for Symptoms
Monitor for symptoms such as fever, chills, aches and pains, fatigue, and rash. If you experience any of these, contact your healthcare provider promptly.
https://www.cdc.gov/ticks/communication-resources/tick-bite-bot-1.html
