July 28, 2020

The mild weather we experienced this past winter has led to a rise in the tick population. Whether working outdoors or just taking a walk, the increased number of these bugs can present a higher risk of contracting tick-borne illnesses, such as Lyme disease.

“It’s a good idea to take preventive measures against ticks year-round, but you should be extra vigilant during warm months when ticks are most active,” said Laura Redenshek, director, FEU Safety & Human Performance.

Here are some safety tips from the CDC that can help you prevent tick bites:

• Avoid wooded and brushy areas with high grass and leaf litter; stay toward the center of the path when walking on trails.
• Use insect repellant that contains 20 percent or more diethyltoluamide (DEET) on exposed skin, and always follow the manufacturer’s instructions.
• Apply products that contain permethrin (0.5%) on clothing and gear, such as boots, pants and backpacks. Pre-treated clothing can provide longer protection.
• Conduct a tick check as soon as possible after coming indoors (preferably within two hours) using a hand-held or full-length mirror to view all parts of your body.
• Tumble dry clothes for 10 minutes on high heat to kill ticks on clothing after you come indoors.

For more information on tick bite prevention, visit the CDC website*.

*By clicking the link in this article, you are entering a website maintained by an outside party, which is entirely responsible for the site’s content.