How to Remove a Tick, Signs and Symptoms of a Tick Bite

by: Lindsay Hutton

Ticks are small, eight-legged bugs, usually brown or black in color. They are the second leading carrier of diseases to humans, second only to mosquitoes. Warm summer weather makes ticks more active, so it is important to be extra vigilant when spending time outdoors. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) offers these tips to avoid picking up any of these nasty buggers, and the best way to remove a tick if you or your child happens to pick one up.

Avoid Heavily Wooded or Leafy Areas

When hiking or biking, avoid areas with high grass or a lot of leaf litter, and walk or bike in the center of trails.

Use Bug Repellent

Spray exposed skin with a repellent that contains 20% or more DEET (N, N-diethyl-m-toluamide). This will offer several hours of protection.

The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) does not recommend using products containing DEET on children less than two months old. They also recommend choosing a product with the lowest concentration effective for the amount of time spent outdoors, and only applying DEET once per day. In addition, do not use a product that combines DEET with sunscreen.

Remember to always follow the application instructions. Parents should apply bug repellents on children, making sure to avoid any contact with the eyes, mouth, or hands, and should only use products containing DEET when necessary.

Young boy buttoning shirt and getting dressed against white background

Pre-Treat Clothing and Shoes

Use products that contain permethrin on clothing, boots, and gear. Clothes will stay protected through several washings.

Clothing that has already been pre-treated is also available in many sporting goods stores, and can stay protected for up to 70 washings.

Wear long pants and socks with either sneakers or hiking boots, with your pants tucked into your socks, and a long-sleeved shirt tucked into your pants.

Wearing light-colored clothing also makes it easier to spot a tick crawling on you.

Young Child taking a bath and putting bath toy in mouth

Bathe or Shower After Being Outdoors

Try to shower or bathe within two hours of coming indoors. This will make it easier to spot any ticks that may be crawling on your body.

Do a Full Body Check

If you've been in a tick-infested area, do a full body check using a hand-held or full-length mirror to view all parts of your body.

When examining your child, check under the arms, in and around the ears, in the belly button, behind the knees, between the legs, around the waist, and especially in his hair.

Golden Retriever laying in grass looking at camera

Examine Gear and Pets

Ticks can ride home on articles of clothing or pets and attach to a person later, so make sure to check all of your clothes and gear, including backpacks. Do a full check on your pet too, making sure to look in his ears and under his tail.