Tick-Borne Disease Prevention Information
How To Prevent Tick-Borne Diseases?
The best way to prevent tick-borne diseases is to avoid areas of tick-infested habitats. In particular, ticks are found anywhere deer live, run, sleep, and feed. Ticks are also found in wooded, bushy areas. Use the following simple precautions:
For People:
- Use Repellents. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)-registered insect repellents.
- Cover Up. Wear long, light-colored pants tucked into socks. Long-sleeved, light-colored shirts, a hat, and gloves. Avoid grasses and leaf litter whenever possible.
- Treat Clothing and Gear with repellent such as undecanone, permethrin or buy pre-treated items.
- Perform Daily Tick Checks. Check yourself, your children, and your pets for ticks.
- Dry your clothes on high for 15 minutes after being outdoors in areas known for presence of ticks.
For Pets:
- Use Tick-Prevention. Talk to your veterinarian about recommended products.
- Perform Daily Tick Checks, especially after being outdoors.
- Remove ticks on your pet immediately. Avoid direct contact with your skin.
For Property:
- Tick-proof Your Yard. Clear brush and leaves where ticks live. Keep woodpiles in sunny areas. Use a yard spray to kill and repel ticks.
How Do I Remove a Tick?
- Remove a tick as soon as possible with sharp pointed tweezers.
- Grasp the tick at the point where it is embedded into the skin.
- Don’t squeeze or crush the tick, pull it carefully and steadily.
- Once you’ve removed the entire tick, save it in a plastic bag if possible for lab testing, and apply antiseptic to the bite area.
Source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention; National Center for Zoonotic and Infectious Diseases (NCEZID); Division of Vector-Borne Diseases (DVBD); Page last reviewed: January 10, 2019
This material is compiled from multiple respected sources, from TBC United research, and from the experiences of TBC United community members. While we work hard to ensure relevancy and currency, we cannot guarantee the accuracy of all information presented on this or associated (linked) web sites. The content is offered to provide practical and useful information on the subject matters covered. It is being presented with the understanding that TBC United is not engaged in rendering medical or other professional services. If medical or other expert assistance is required, the services of a licensed physician should be sought. If you choose to use preventive products on yourself, your loved ones, or your pets, carefully read and follow your medical professional and manufacturers’ recommendations.
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