My family is planning a camping trip in a couple weeks. What can I do to protect my family against ticks?
– Kevin

Enjoy the great outdoors, but don't forget about the threat of ticks. Ticks can carry several diseases, including Lyme disease.

Inspect your kids each day for ticks — especially behind the neck and ears, in the groin area, and under the arms. Have everyone wear long-sleeve shirts and pants, and remember to tuck pant legs into socks or shoes for extra protection. Wearing light-colored clothing can help you see ticks more easily.

Pull long hair back and tuck it into a cap. Use an insect repellant with 10% to 30% DEET for protection against insect bites and stings in kids older than 2 years, always following the directions for application carefully.

For more information, check out these articles:
Lyme Disease
Evaluate Your Child's Lyme Disease Risk
Tick Removal: A Step-by-Step Guide
Woods and Camping Safety for the Whole Family

Reviewed by: Larissa Hirsch, MD
Date reviewed: October 2006
Originally reviewed by: Neil Izenberg, MD

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