How to protect yourself from tick

How to protect yourself from tick

Researchers say there are precautions those heading outside can take to limit risk from disease carrying ticks. Take time to familiarize yourself with which tick specie may be common in your area, as well as some common steps below that can help keep you protected while enjoying the warmer weather.


If you do happen to find a tick attached to you, remove it with fine tipped tweezers, grasping close to the skin, as soon as possible to prevent the transmission of pathogens.

The Illinois Department of Health recommends the following precautions:

  • Avoid wooded and brushy areas with high grass and leaf litter. Walk in the centre of trails.
  • Treat clothing and gear with products containing 0.5 percent permethrin. Permethrin remains protective through several washings.
  • Use EPA registered repellents containing DEET, picaridin, IR3535, oil of lemon eucalyptus (OLE), paramenthanediol (PMD) or 2undecanone. Always follow product instructions.
  • Shower soon after being outdoors. Showering within two hours of coming indoors has been shown to reduce your risk of getting Lyme disease.
  • Check your body for ticks after being outdoors. Conduct a full-body check upon return from potentially tick-infested areas, including your own backyard. Use a handheld or full-length mirror to view all parts of your body.
  • Contact a medical provider if you begin to experience any tickborne disease symptoms (fever, rash, body aches, headache, chills).

Source:    Morgan Greene
         Chicago Tribune

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