Prevention

    • After outdoor play in wooded or grassy areas

    • After sports, camping, or hikes

    • Daily during peak tick season (spring–fall)

    • Hairline and scalp

    • Behind ears

    • Underarms

    • Waistline and belly button

    • Groin and inner thighs

    • Behind knees

    • Between toes and around shoes

    • Use your fingers to feel for bumps

    • Part hair and clothing folds

    • Use a mirror or have a second adult check hard-to-see areas

    • Remove promptly using fine-tipped tweezers

    • Pull straight out without twisting

    • Clean the area with soap and water

    • Save the tick in a sealed container for identification if needed-tick can be placed in the freezer indefinitely-and retrieved at any time to be tested

    • Mail the tick into a tick testing lab 

    • Contact your pediatrician for guidance

    • Monitor for Symptoms

    • Tuck pants into socks

    • Wear light-colored clothing for easier tick spotting

    • Apply tick repellents (age-appropriate)

    • Use a lint roller on clothes

    • Shower soon after outdoor activities

Where to Check

Tick Repellent Options

Always read and follow the manufactured instructions and safety guidelines on any tick repellent product. Use products only as directed on the label, paying close attention to age restrictions, application instructions reapplication timing and safety precautions.

    • Effective: Great protection against ticks

    • Recommended Concentration: 10–30% for kids

    • Safe for: Children 2 months and older (follow label instructions)

    • How to Use: Apply to exposed skin (not hands/eyes/mouth); wash off after returning indoors

    • Very effective: Comparable to DEET

    • Less greasy: More comfortable for kids

    • Safe for: Children 2 months and older

    • How to Use: Apply to exposed skin; repeat per label

    • Good protection: Especially in wooded/grassy areas

    • Safe for: Children as young as 6 months (per product label)

    • How to Use: Apply to exposed skin; reapply as needed

    • Extremely effective: Repels AND kills ticks on contact

    • Not for skin: Do not apply to skin

    • How to Use: Spray clothing, shoes, gear; let dry completely before wearing

    • Longevity: Lasts through several wash/dry cycles

    • Lemon eucalyptus, citronella, geraniol‑based

    • Lower protection: Better for light exposure and lower‑risk environments

    • Safe for: Older children (check label; generally not recommended < 3 years)

Tips for Safe & Effective Use

  • Apply repellent before outdoor activity

  • Avoid contact with eyes, mouth, and cuts

  • Hands of small children should be sprayed by an adult

  • Always read and follow the label directions

  • Wash off repellent when back indoors

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