Blacklegged ticks that may carry Lyme disease live in wooded areas, tall grasses, and bushes. Protect yourself:
- Wear light-colored clothing. It makes ticks easier to spot.
- Wear closed footwear and socks and a long sleeve shirt tucked into long pants. Tuck your pants into your socks.
- Use an insect repellent containing DEET or icaridin on clothes and exposed skin. Always be sure to follow the manufacturer’s directions on how to use it.
- Check for ticks on your body, paying special attention to the groin area, belly button, armpits, head and behind ears and knees. Use a mirror to check the back of your body or have someone else check for you. Don’t forget to check for ticks on your children and your pets.
- Take a shower as soon as you can after being outdoors to wash off any ticks that may be on you.
- Kill any ticks that might be on your clothing by putting your clothes in a dryer on high heat for at least 10 minutes before washing them.