Into the Woods, With a Little Awareness
The woods have a way of drawing us in. Ferns beside the path. A little light caught in the branches. That earthy scent after rain that makes you want to wander just a little farther.
Here in Minnesota and Wisconsin, a tick check belongs at the end of that wandering. A small bit of care, so we can keep enjoying the places we love.
Meet the tiny passengers
We often call every tick a wood tick, but there is a difference. Blacklegged ticks, also called deer ticks, can spread Lyme disease. American dog ticks, commonly called wood ticks, do not spread Lyme disease, though they can carry other infections.
Adult blacklegged ticks are active in spring and fall. Cooler weather is not a reason to put tick checks away.
Before you follow the path
Use an EPA-registered repellent labeled for ticks and follow its directions. Permethrin products are for treating clothing and gear, never for applying to skin. Stay toward the center of trails where you can.
A little coming-home ritual
Check your body after being outdoors, including your scalp and hairline, underarms, waist, groin, behind your knees, and around your ears. Check children, pets, clothing, and gear, too.
Shower within two hours of coming indoors when possible. Tumble-dry dry clothing on high heat for 10 minutes to kill ticks; damp clothing needs longer.
If you find one attached
Remove it promptly with clean, fine-tipped tweezers. Grasp close to the skin and pull with steady, even pressure, without twisting or jerking. Clean your hands and the bite area afterward.
Skip heat, petroleum jelly, oils, and other attempts to make the tick let go.
If a rash, fever, or other illness develops in the following days or weeks, contact a healthcare professional and mention when and where the bite happened. CDC’s Tick Bite Guide can also help you decide when to seek care.
Keep your curiosity. Keep your woodland walks. Leave a few minutes at the end for a careful check, then put the kettle on.
~ Kimmie
Photo: CDC. Adult and immature blacklegged ticks on a fingertip, showing how easily the smallest ones can be missed.
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