Tick Awareness: Protect Yourself and Your Family This Summer

Summer is here, and families are enjoying more and more time outdoors. But while camping, hiking, and playing in the yard are all part of the season’s fun, they also come with an increased exposure to ticks. Experts are seeing a rise in tick populations and reported tick-borne illnesses, making awareness and prevention more important during these warmer months.

What Are Ticks & Where Are They Found

Ticks are small, spider-like parasites that feed on the blood of animals and humans. They are commonly found in wooded areas, tall grasses, brushy fields, and even suburban yards—anywhere with moisture and shade. Tick activity is highest from late spring through early fall, but they can be active anytime temperatures are above freezing.

Where Ticks Usually Hide on the Body

After spending time outdoors, it’s important to check yourself and your family thoroughly for ticks. Ticks often migrate to warm, hidden areas of the body. Common spots include:

• Scalp and along the hairline
• Behind the ears
• Underarms
• Waistline and belly button
• Behind the knees
• In and around the groin
• Between fingers and toes

Conducting a full-body tick check right after coming indoors—and showering within two hours—can reduce the risk of a tick attaching and transmitting disease.

Common Tick-Borne Illnesses

Ticks in our region can carry several illnesses. The most common is Lyme disease, caused by black-legged (deer) ticks. Other illnesses include anaplasmosis, ehrlichiosis, and Rocky Mountain spotted fever. Symptoms typically begin within a few days to a few weeks after a bite and may include:

• Fever or chills
• Fatigue or body aches
• Headache
• Rash (especially a circular “bull’s-eye” rash in Lyme disease)
• Swollen joints or neurological symptoms in more advanced cases

When caught early, Lyme disease is typically treated with a short course of antibiotics and resolves without long-term effects. However, if left untreated, the infection can spread to joints, the heart, and the nervous system. This can lead to more serious complications such as:

• Facial paralysis (Bell’s palsy)
• Severe joint pain and swelling
• Heart rhythm irregularities
• Neurological problems, including memory issues or nerve pain

Not all tick bites result in illness, but early recognition of symptoms is critical for effective treatment. If you or your child develops symptoms after a known or suspected tick bite—or if a rash appears within 3 to 30 days—contact your Primary Care Provider (PCP). Prompt diagnosis and treatment are essential for preventing complications.

How to Prevent Tick Bites

Because tick bites are often painless, many people don’t realize they’ve been bitten. That’s why routine prevention and checks are key. Whether you're out for a hike or working in the garden, these precautions can make a big difference:

• Wear light-colored clothing, long sleeves, and long pants tucked into socks.
• Use insect repellents with 20–30% DEET, picaridin, or IR3535.
• Treat clothing and gear with permethrin, an insecticide that kills ticks on contact.
• Walk in the center of trails and avoid brushing against tall grasses and shrubs.
• Be especially vigilant in wooded areas or places with lots of leaf litter or brush.

What to Do If You Find a Tick

If you find a tick attached to the skin, follow these steps:

• Use fine-tipped tweezers to grasp the tick as close to the skin as possible.
• Pull upward with steady, even pressure. Don’t twist or jerk the tick.
• After removal, clean the bite area and your hands with rubbing alcohol or soap and water.
• Save the tick in a sealed container if you'd like to have it identified.
• Monitor for symptoms and contact your PCP if you feel unwell or the tick was attached more than 24 hours.

Stay Safe & Informed

Spending time outdoors is one of the best parts of summer, and with a few simple precautions, you can enjoy it safely. Tick prevention helps protect against serious illness and gives you peace of mind during your favorite seasonal activities.

If you have questions after a tick bite or experience any unusual symptoms, don’t hesitate to contact your PCP. Our team at Medical Associates is here to support your health—this summer and all year long.

Kari Pace, RN, BSN
Quality Improvement Department
Medical Associates

Primary Care Services