Lyme Disease Prevention Tips

---

DEFINITION    IDENTIFYING TICKS    PREVENTION TIPS    POST-BITE TIPS    SUPPORT AND LINKS

Prevention Tips

1. Wear light colored clothing (to see ticks better) with long sleeves and pants. Tuck shirt into pants and pants into socks or put tape around the cuffs.

2. Apply an insect repellent containing DEET to clothing. Follow manufacturer's label.

3. If a lot of time will be spent in tick habitat a much stronger repellent containing Permethrin can be used on clothing and will last weeks. Apply to clothing outdoors, wear protective gloves, mask, avoid contact with skin and follow directions on the label.

4. Stay on trails, avoid contact with vegetation.

5. Check frequently for ticks while outdoors.

6. After an outing, examine your clothing and place in a hot dryer for 20 min. to kill any ticks since they cannot withstand high heat or dryness. Check your skin thoroughly, especially the scalp area.

7. Check your pets and remove ticks. Save for later inspection. Discuss a flea and tick prevention program with your veterinarian. Pets can also get Lyme disease.

8. In your yard, remove brush and leaf litter or create a buffer zone of wood chips or gravel between forest and lawn or recreational area. Instruct children to stay away from brushy edges of your yard.