- Home
- Parents Home
- Allergy Center
- Asthma Center
- Cancer Center
- Diabetes Center
- A to Z
- Emotions & Behavior
- First Aid & Safety
- Food Allergy Center
- General Health
- Growth & Development
- Flu Center
- Heart Health
- Helping With Homework
- Infections
- Diseases & Conditions
- Nutrition & Fitness Center
- Play & Learn Center
- School & Family Life
- Pregnancy & Newborn Center
- Q&A
- Sports Medicine Center
- Doctors & Hospitals
- Videos
- Para Padres
- Home
- Kids Home
- Asthma Center for Kids
- Cancer Center for Kids
- Movies & More
- Diabetes Center for Kids
- Getting Help
- Feelings
- Puberty & Growing Up
- Health Problems of Grown-Ups
- Health Problems
- Homework Center
- How the Body Works
- Illnesses & Injuries
- Nutrition & Fitness Center for Kids
- Staying Healthy
- Stay Safe Center
- Relax & Unwind Center
- Q&A for Kids
- The Heart
- Videos for Kids
- Staying Safe
- Kids' Medical Dictionary
- Para Niños
- Home
- Teens Home
- Asthma Center for Teens
- Be Your Best Self
- Cancer Center for Teens
- Diabetes Center for Teens
- Diseases & Conditions (for Teens)
- Drugs & Alcohol
- Expert Answers (Q&A)
- Flu Center for Teens
- Homework Help for Teens
- Infections (for Teens)
- Managing Your Medical Care
- Managing Your Weight
- Nutrition & Fitness Center for Teens
- Safety & First Aid
- School & Work
- Sexual Health
- Sports Center
- Stress & Coping Center
- Videos for Teens
- Body
- Mind
- Para Adolescentes
parents
How Can I Protect My Family From Ticks?
Enjoy the great outdoors, but don't forget about the threat of ticks. Ticks can carry diseases, including Lyme disease.
Try these tips:
- Wear light-colored clothing to help you see ticks more easily.
- Wear closed shoes or boots, long-sleeve shirts, and pants
- Tuck pant legs into socks or shoes for extra protection.
- Pull long hair back or wear a hat.
- When hiking, stay on trails and avoid bushy areas with tall grass and leaf litter.
- Use an insect repellent with 10% to 30% DEET. Always follow the directions for use carefully.
- Clothes also can be treated with a specific insecticide (like permethrin) to help prevent bites.
- Wash kids' skin with soap and water when they come back inside. If you've been in an area with ticks, wash all clothes in hot water and tumble dry on high heat before they're worn again.
Check your kids each day for ticks — look in and behind ears, in the groin area, behind the knees and under the arms. If you find one, remove it right away. Also remember to inspect pets, clothing, and camping gear, including backpacks and sleeping bags.
Medically reviewed by: Yamini Durani, MD
Date reviewed: June 2023