Ticks and Lyme Disease

How To Remove a Tick

Do a thorough body check for ticks after being outdoors

To remove a tick:

• Using tweezers, grasp tick near the mouth parts, as close to skin as possible.
• Pull tick in a steady, upward motion away from skin.
• DO NOT use kerosene, matches, or petroleum jelly to remove tick.
• Disinfect site with soap and water, rubbing alcohol or hydrogen peroxide.
• Record date and location of tick bite. If rash or flu-like symptoms appear contact your health care provider immediately.

Remove ticks as soon as possible to reduce your risk of getting infected with Lyme disease or other tick-borne illnesses.

Questions? Call TCHD at 607-274-6604
 

Source: NYSDOH

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Take precautions to help avoid ticks

Certain species of ticks — most notably the deer tick — carry Lyme Disease. The best precaution one can take against getting Lyme Disease is to limit exposure to ticks. Follow these steps when hiking or working in areas where ticks are most commonly found, such as woods and high grass:

• Wear light colored clothing to spot ticks easier and brush off.
• Tuck pants into socks and wear long sleeved tucked in shirts to prevent ticks from reaching the skin. Wear closed toed shoes.
• Consider using insect repellent. Apply according to directions and use only the amount necessary. Keep out of reach of children and do not allow children to apply repellents.
• Carefully check for ticks at the end of a day of outdoor activity. Also check children and pets and remove ticks promptly.
• Stay on cleared, well traveled trails.
• Keep lawns mowed and hedges trimmed. Clear brush and tall grass around the house. Clear leaf litter and the remains of perennials out of the garden in the fall.
• Keep the ground under bird feeders clean so as not to attract small animals.
• Locate the children’s swing sets and other play equipment in sunny, dry areas away from woods.
• Seek medical attention as soon as possible if symptoms of Lyme Disease occur.
   

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