Minimizing exposure to ticks is the most effective way to protect yourself from tick-borne diseases. Although tick exposure can occur year-round, ticks are especially active during the warmer months of April through September. Here are some proactive steps you and your family can take to prevent tick bites:

Prevent tick bites

Before going outdoors:

• Identify tick habitat:Be aware that ticks thrive in grassy, bushy, or wooded areas and on animals. Activities such as dog walking, camping, gardening, or hunting can increase your risk of encountering ticks. Many people encounter ticks in their yards or neighborhoods.
• Handling of clothing and belongings:Use a product containing 0.5% permethrin to treat shoes, clothing, and camping gear, which will remain effective after multiple washings. Also, buy clothing and gear that has been treated with permethrin.
• Avoid areas prone to ticks:Stay away from wooded and brushy areas with tall grass and fallen leaves.
• Use EPA-registered insect repellents:Choose an insect repellent that contains DEET, picaridin, IR3535, Oil of Lemon Eucalyptus (OLE), para-menthane-diol (PMD), or 2-undecanone. Use the EPA’s search tool to find the product that best suits your needs. Follow product instructions carefully and avoid using OLE or PMD on children under three years of age.

After entering the house:

• Check your clothes for ticks:Ticks can attach to clothing and be brought into the home. Remove any ticks found and dry the clothing on high heat for 10 minutes to kill the ticks. If the clothing is damp, additional drying time may be required. Use hot water to wash the clothing to ensure the ticks are killed.
• Check your belongings and pets:Ticks can cling to your clothes and pets to get into your home, so check pets, coats, and backpacks carefully.
• Take a bath now:Showering within two hours of coming indoors can reduce your risk of Lyme disease and other tick-borne illnesses. It helps wash off any loose ticks and is a good opportunity to do a thorough tick check.
• Perform a full body check:After going outside, check your entire body, including your armpits, in and around your ears, inside your belly button, behind your knees, in and around your hair, between your legs, and around your waist. Use a mirror to check hard-to-see areas.

Minimize exposure to ticks around the home

• Using pesticides outdoors:Pesticides can reduce the number of mites in treated areas, but should not be relied upon alone to prevent infestations. Follow label instructions and consult local health or agricultural officials for guidance on timing and type of pesticide.
• Create a safe zone for ticks:Apply landscaping techniques to minimize tick populations:
• • Clear fallen leaves and tall grass and bushes around the house and lawn edges.
  • Place a 3-foot-wide barrier made of wood chips or gravel between the lawn and the wooded area.
  • Mow grass regularly and stack wood neatly in dry areas to discourage rodents.
  • Place playground equipment, floors and courts away from yard edges and trees.
  • Build a fence to keep wild animals and dogs out of your yard.
  • Remove old furniture, mattresses or trash that may harbor ticks.

By taking these precautions, you can significantly reduce your risk of exposure to ticks and enjoy the outdoors more safely.