07/13/2026
Spending time outdoors is one of the best parts of summer, but it's important to protect yourself from ticks. When hiking, gardening, or walking through wooded or grassy areas, wear long sleeves and pants, use an approved insect repellent, and stay on marked trails whenever possible. After being outdoors, check your body, children, and pets for ticks, paying close attention to the scalp, behind the ears, under the arms, around the waist, behind the knees, and in other skin folds.
If you find a tick attached to your skin, remove it as soon as possible using clean, fine tipped tweezers. Grasp the tick as close to the skin's surface as you can, holding it by the head or mouthparts, not the swollen body. Pull upward with slow, steady pressure. Avoid twisting or squeezing the tick, then clean the bite area and your hands thoroughly with soap and water or rubbing alcohol.
If you've been bitten by a tick, contact your healthcare provider for guidance. Seek medical attention if you develop a rash, fever, fatigue, muscle aches, or other flu-like symptoms.