Health Information For Parents

How Can I Protect My Family From Ticks?

Content

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 20% to 30% DEET. Always follow the directions for use carefully.

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.

Medical Review

  • Last Reviewed: May 1st, 2019
  • Reviewed By: Michelle M. Karten, MD

Translation

Resources

    Related Articles

    • First Aid: Tick Bites

      Some ticks carry harmful germs that can cause disease. Find out what to do if your child is bitten by a tick.

    • Hey! A Tick Bit Me!

      A tick attaches itself to the skin of a person or animal and sucks blood. If you have a dog, it may have picked up a tick before! Learn more about ticks in this article for kids.

    • Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever

      Rocky Mountain spotted fever is an infection spread by ticks. Find out more about it – including how to prevent it.

    • Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever

      Rocky Mountain spotted fever (RMSF) is a disease caused by a bacteria that is carried by certain types of ticks. Learn about the signs and symptoms of RMSF and tips for preventing infection in this article.

    • Tick Removal: A Step-by-Step Guide

      Boy, your child’s freckles really stand out in the sun — yikes, that one is actually a tick! What should you do?

    • Are Insect Repellents With DEET Safe for Kids?

      Find out what the experts have to say.

    • Bug Bites and Stings

      Most bug bites and stings are just annoying. But some can cause infections and allergic reactions. It’s important to know what to watch for, and when to get medical attention.

    • Bug Bites and Stings

      Generally, insect bites and stings are harmless. Find out how to keep pests from ruining your fun.

    • Lyme Disease

      Lyme disease can affect the skin, joints, nervous system, and other organ systems. If Lyme disease is diagnosed quickly and treated with antibiotics, most people feel better quickly.

    • How Can I Prevent Lyme Disease?

      Does the thought of Lyme disease make you worry about enjoying the great outdoors? Here’s some information to help you lower your risk for Lyme disease.

    • Lyme Disease

      The best way to prevent Lyme disease is to prevent tick bites. Find out more about this disease and how to keep those ticks away.

    • Lyme Disease

      Lyme disease can be treated if it’s caught early. Find out what causes it, how it’s treated, and how to prevent it.

    Footer

    Note: All information is for educational purposes only. For specific medical advice, diagnoses, and treatment, consult your doctor.

    © 1995-2020 KidsHealth®. All rights reserved.
    Images provided by The Nemours Foundation, iStock, Getty Images, Veer, Shutterstock, and Clipart.com.

    For Teens
    Teens Health Info Library
    For Kids
    Kids Health Info Library
    Back to Top
    Searching Animation
    Searching