As we approach Labor Day weekend, many Virginians are planning outdoor activities like hiking, camping, or enjoying time in the backyard. In Virginia, the lone star tick, American dog tick, and blacklegged tick are common. They can transmit serious diseases such as Lyme disease, Alpha-gal syndrome, ehrlichiosis, and Rocky Mountain spotted fever. These ticks are often found in wooded areas and grassy fields. They can even be found in suburban yards, especially those near forests where deer are present.
To minimize the risk of tick bites, consider the following preventive measures:
- Use EPA-Registered Insect Repellents: Apply repellents containing DEET, picaridin, IR3535, 2-undecanone, or oil of lemon eucalyptus to exposed skin. For clothing, treat them with permethrin, an insecticide that remains effective after several washes. Remember to let treated clothing dry completely before wearing and always follow product label instructions.
- Dress Appropriately: Wear long pants, tuck them into socks or boots, and wear long sleeves when venturing into tick habitats. Light-colored clothing can help you spot ticks more easily.
- Perform Tick Checks: After being outdoors, thoroughly check your body, clothing, and your pets for ticks. Use a mirror or ask someone to help inspect areas like the scalp, behind ears, underarms, and behind knees. Shower promptly and tumble-dry clothes on high heat to kill any remaining ticks.
- Protect Your Pets: Consult your veterinarian about tick prevention products suitable for your pets. Regularly check them for ticks, as they can bring ticks into your home.
If you find an attached tick, consider the following measures:
- Remove It 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 Area: After removal, clean the bite area and your hands with soap and water, an iodine scrub, or rubbing alcohol.
- Watch for Symptoms: If you develop a rash or fever within several weeks of removing a tick, see your healthcare provider.
You can send the ticks you find on yourself or your family to our Tick Survey for us to identify. This helps us learn more about where ticks are biting humans across Virginia.
By taking these precautions, you can enjoy the outdoors while reducing your risk of tick-borne illnesses. For more information on tick prevention and identification, visit the Virginia Department of Health’s Tick Prevention page.