How to Prevent Tick Bites
Preventing tick bites is the best way to avoid tick-borne diseases. The good news is that there are many simple, effective strategies you can use. Think of tick prevention like layers of protection - the more layers you use, the better protected you'll be.
Deer tick (Ixodes scapularis)
Image: Wikimedia Commons (CDC)
💡 Remember:
No single method is 100% effective, so use multiple prevention strategies together for the best protection.
1. Use Tick Repellents
Repellents are your first line of defense. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has tested and approved several ingredients that work well against ticks:
DEET
- How well it works: Very effective - one of the best options
- What to look for: Products with 20% or higher concentration
- How long it lasts: 20% DEET protects for about 5 hours; 30% protects for about 6 hours
- Safe to use: Yes, when used according to directions
- Age restrictions: Not recommended for babies under 2 months
Picaridin
- How well it works: Very effective, similar to DEET
- Advantages: Odorless, less greasy, won't damage clothing
- How long it lasts: Similar to DEET at the same concentration
- Safe to use: Yes, when used according to directions
IR3535
- How well it works: Effective against ticks
- Advantages: Odorless, pleasant feel on skin
- Safe to use: Yes, when used according to directions
Oil of Lemon Eucalyptus (OLE)
- How well it works: Effective, but may need more frequent reapplication
- Advantages: Plant-based, pleasant scent
- Age restrictions: Not recommended for children under 3 years
- Note: This is different from essential oil of lemon eucalyptus
How to Use Repellents Correctly
- Apply to exposed skin and clothing
- Follow the product label instructions carefully
- Reapply as directed, especially after swimming or sweating
- If using sunscreen, apply sunscreen first, then repellent
- Wash off repellent when you come indoors
References: EPA - DEET | EPA - Picaridin | EPA - IR3535 | EPA - Oil of Lemon Eucalyptus | Fradin, M.S., & Day, J.F. (2002). Comparative efficacy of insect repellents. New England Journal of Medicine, 347(13), 13-18.
2. Wear the Right Clothing
What you wear can make a big difference in preventing tick bites. Think of your clothing as a physical barrier between you and ticks:
Wearing long sleeves and pants provides protection. Image: Unsplash
Clothing Tips:
- Long sleeves and pants: Cover as much skin as possible
- Tuck pants into socks: This prevents ticks from crawling up your legs
- Light colors: Makes it easier to spot ticks on your clothing
- Closed-toe shoes: Wear boots or sneakers, not sandals
- Tight weave fabrics: Ticks have a harder time getting through tightly woven materials
Reference: CDC - Preventing Tick Bites
3. Use Permethrin-Treated Clothing
Permethrin is a special insecticide that kills ticks on contact. When applied to clothing, it provides excellent protection that lasts through multiple washes.
How Permethrin Works
- Kills on contact: Ticks die when they touch permethrin-treated fabric
- Long-lasting: Protection lasts through several washes (follow product label)
- Two options: Buy pre-treated clothing or treat your own clothes with permethrin spray
Reference: EPA - Permethrin | Schreck, C.E., et al. (1986). Permethrin as a clothing treatment for personal protection. American Journal of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene, 35(5), 1103-1107.
4. Check for Ticks Regularly
Checking for ticks is one of the most important prevention steps. Ticks need to be attached for a while before they can transmit most diseases, so finding and removing them quickly is key.
When to Check
- Immediately after being outdoors - Check as soon as you come inside
- Within 2 hours: Shower within 2 hours of coming indoors - this can wash off ticks that haven't attached yet
- Daily: If you spend a lot of time in tick areas, check daily
Where to Check on Your Body
Ticks like warm, hidden places. Check these areas carefully:
- Under the arms
- In and around the ears
- Inside the belly button
- Behind the knees
- Between the legs
- Around the waist
- In and around hair (use a mirror or ask for help)
- Under clothing (ticks can crawl under clothes)
Also Check:
- Your clothing: Ticks can be on your clothes
- Your gear: Backpacks, camping equipment, etc.
- Children: Check kids thoroughly - they may not notice ticks
- Pets: Check pets before bringing them inside
Reference: CDC - Preventing Tick Bites
5. Make Your Yard Tick-Safe
You can reduce ticks in your own yard by making it less attractive to them. Ticks need moisture and places to hide, so making your yard drier and less cluttered helps.
Keeping your yard well-maintained reduces tick habitats. Image: Unsplash
Yard Maintenance Tips:
- Mow regularly: Keep grass short - ticks don't like dry, sunny areas
- Remove leaf litter: Clear leaves, brush, and tall grass where ticks hide
- Create barriers: Put a 3-foot wide barrier of wood chips or gravel between your lawn and wooded areas
- Prune vegetation: Trim trees and bushes to let in more sunlight
- Remove debris: Get rid of old furniture, trash, and other items that provide hiding places
- Keep play areas clear: Place playground equipment away from wooded areas
Reference: CDC - Preventing Ticks in the Yard
6. Be Smart About Where You Go
Some areas have more ticks than others. When possible, choose lower-risk areas:
Higher Risk Areas
- Dense woods with leaf litter
- Tall grass and brush
- Forest edges
- Areas with lots of deer
Lower Risk Areas
- Open, sunny areas
- Well-maintained trails (walk in the center)
- Mowed lawns
- Dry, sunny spots
When You Can't Avoid Tick Areas:
- Walk in the center of trails - avoid brushing against vegetation
- Don't sit directly on the ground or logs
- Be extra careful during peak tick season (spring and summer in most areas)
- Use repellents and protective clothing
Reference: CDC - Preventing Tick Bites
Additional Protection Strategies
If you live in a high-risk area or spend a lot of time outdoors, consider these extra steps:
Protect Your Pets
Use tick prevention products on dogs and cats. Pets can bring ticks into your home. See our Pets and Ticks page for more information.
Professional Yard Treatment
Consider hiring a pest control professional to treat your yard, especially if you have a large property or live in a high-risk area.
Stay Informed
- Check local health department websites for tick activity reports
- Learn which tick species are common in your area
- Know which diseases are a concern where you live or travel
- Educate family members about tick prevention
What to Do If You Find a Tick
If you find a tick attached to your skin, don't panic! Remove it as soon as possible using fine-tipped tweezers. The sooner you remove it, the lower your risk of getting sick.
⏰ Time Matters
For Lyme disease, removing a tick within 24 hours greatly reduces your risk. However, some diseases can be transmitted faster, so always remove ticks promptly.
For step-by-step removal instructions, see our detailed Tick Removal guide.
Reference: CDC - Tick Removal