Tick Season Is Here: How to Protect Yourself and Your Family

Summer means hiking, camping, gardening, and spending more time outdoors. Unfortunately, it is also peak tick season across many parts of the United States.

While ticks are small, they can carry diseases that affect both people and pets. Knowing how to avoid tick bites can help keep your family safe all summer long.

Where Are Ticks Commonly Found?

Ticks thrive in:

• Tall grass

• Wooded areas

• Leaf piles

• Bushes and shrubs

• Hiking trails

Contrary to popular belief, ticks do not jump or fly. They wait on vegetation and attach to people or animals that brush against them.

How to Protect Yourself

Wear Protective Clothing

When hiking or working outdoors:

• Wear long sleeves

• Wear long pants

• Tuck pants into socks

• Choose light-colored clothing

Light-colored clothing makes ticks easier to spot.

Use Tick Repellents

Apply EPA-approved insect repellents before spending time outdoors.

Stay on Marked Trails

Avoid walking through tall grass whenever possible.

Check Your Body After Outdoor Activities

Carefully inspect:

• Behind the knees

• Under the arms

• Around the waist

• Behind the ears

• Scalp and hairline

Early removal reduces the risk of disease transmission.

Protecting Your Yard

Simple yard maintenance can help reduce tick populations:

• Mow the lawn regularly

• Remove leaf litter

• Trim bushes

• Keep play areas away from wooded edges

Final Thoughts

Ticks may be tiny, but prevention can make a big difference. A few simple precautions can help you enjoy outdoor activities with greater peace of mind throughout the summer.