Effective Tips to Prevent Tick Bites During Summer

Summer is a popular time for outdoor activities such as barbecues and visits to the beach. However, it also marks the peak season for encountering black-legged deer ticks, which are responsible for transmitting Lyme disease and other tick-borne illnesses. Each year, approximately half a million cases of Lyme disease are diagnosed, with the highest incidences occurring in June, July, and August.

Ticks are most active during these months, and their tiny size—about the size of a poppy seed—makes them difficult to spot and remove. Preventing tick bites is essential to avoid infection. Experts from Northeastern University and the CDC recommend a series of strategies to keep you safe.

1. Shower and Conduct Tick Checks:
After spending time outdoors, shower within two hours to wash off unattached ticks and reduce the risk of disease transmission. Use a handheld or full-length mirror to thoroughly check areas where ticks tend to latch on: underarms, ears, inside the belly button, behind knees, in hair, between the legs, and around the waist.

2. Tumble Clothes in Hot Dryers:
Ticks dislike heat. Placing clothing in a dryer on high heat for at least 10 minutes can kill ticks effectively. If clothes are damp, extend the drying time. Always wash clothes in hot water before drying if necessary.

3. Treat Clothes and Gear with Permethrin:
Spraying clothing, camping tents, and gear with permethrin, an insecticide, can immobilize and kill ticks. Socks and shoes are high-risk areas; treating them markedly decreases the chances of bites. Pre-treated clothing is also available, but care should be taken to follow proper instructions and launder separately from untreated items.

4. Protect Your Pets:
Pets can carry ticks into your home and transmit diseases. Consider vaccinating dogs against Lyme disease and consult your veterinarian about safe tick prevention products. Always check your pets for ticks after outdoor activities, focusing on ears, around the eyes, collar, tail, and between the toes.

5. Maintain Your Yard:
Ticks thrive in grassy, brushy, or wooded areas. Regular mowing, removing leaf litter, and situating playground equipment away from yard edges and trees can significantly reduce tick habitats. Use pesticides cautiously, following label instructions and consulting local officials for safe practices.

By following these expert tips, you can enjoy outdoor summer activities while minimizing the risk of tick bites and related diseases. Staying vigilant and proactive is key to protecting yourself and your loved ones this season.

Source: https://medicalxpress.com/news/2025-06-expert-summer-safety.html