Tick talk: Don’t let ticks bug you this summer

Wear pants and long sleeves in light colors when you’re in the garden, hiking, or camping 

Stay on well-maintained trails and avoid areas with thick brush and high grass 

Consider tucking your socks into your pant legs to prevent ticks from crawling under your pants. Tuck in your shirt

Treat your clothes and gear with .5 percent permethrin spray. You will likely need multiple treatments per year since repeat washing removes the protective spray 

Wear an EPA-approved insect repellant (e.g., DEET, lemon eucalyptus, picaridin) when you are in an area where ticks may be present 

Change your clothes and do a thorough tick check as soon as you are finished with your activities. Ask a family member or friend or use a full-length mirror to check areas that are difficult to see (e.g., back, hair, behind your ears). Also check your pets and gear 

Take a shower within 2 hours of getting home to remove ticks that may be present but not yet attached to your body