Spending time outdoors is great for your health, but it’s important to protect yourself from ticks. These small bugs can carry diseases that make you sick. Knowing how to spot ticks, avoid bites, and take action after exposure can help keep you and your family safe.
Common Ticks in Our Area
There are three types of ticks you may come across:
- Deer Ticks: Solid dark color; can carry Lyme disease.
- Dog Ticks: Has whitish patterns; can spread other illnesses.
- Lone Star Ticks: Female ticks have a single white spot; linked to Alpha-gal syndrome.
If you find a tick, place it in a sealed bag, write the date and time on the bag, and bring to your healthcare provider for identification. This information can help identify risk for disease transmission.
Tick-Borne Illnesses
Lyme Disease (from Deer Ticks)
- Symptoms can include:
- Muscle and joint pain
- Headache or stiff neck
- Fatigue, chills, and/or fever
- Nausea or poor appetite
- Bullseye-shaped rash
Alpha-Gal Syndrome (from Lone Star Ticks):
- An allergic reaction to red meat (like beef or pork) that can cause:
- Swelling of the mouth or tongue
- Hives or rash
- Nausea
- Severe allergic reaction (anaphylaxis)
How to Prevent Tick Bites
- Dress smart:
- Wear long sleeves and pants.
- Avoid shorts and sandals in wooded or grassy areas.
- Use tick repellents:
- Apply DEET to skin and clothing.
- Use Permethrin on clothing only (not on skin).
- Stick to clear paths:
- Avoid thick brush and tall grass where ticks live.
After Spending Time Outside
- Check for ticks
- Do a full-body tick check.
- Use a mirror to see hard-to-reach spots
- Clean up:
- Remove clothing and place it in a dryer on high heat for 10-15 minutes to kill any ticks.
- Shower to wash off ticks that haven’t latched on.
What if You’re Bitten?
- Remove the tick right away with tweezers, grabbing close to the skin and pulling straight out.
- Watch for symptoms over the next few weeks. If you feel sick or notice a rash, contact your doctor.
Ticks need to be attached for several hours (often 24+) to spread disease—so early removal makes a big difference.
You don’t have to avoid the outdoors to stay safe—just take a few extra steps to protect yourself and your family. If you have concerns about a tick bite or symptoms afterward, Valley Health is here to help.