05/21/2026
It’s more than Lyme.
Ticks don’t just carry Lyme disease—they can transmit several illnesses, including anaplasmosis, babesiosis, ehrlichiosis, Rocky Mountain spotted fever, and more. A single bite can sometimes expose you to multiple pathogens.
The good news: prevention works.
Protect yourself when spending time outdoors:
• Wear long sleeves and long pants, and tuck pants into socks in wooded or grassy areas
• Use EPA-registered insect repellents (like DEET, picaridin, or permethrin-treated clothing)
• Stay on clear trails and avoid brushing against tall grass or brush
• Do full-body tick checks after being outdoors—don’t forget behind knees, scalp, ears, and waistband
• Shower soon after coming indoors
• Dry clothes on high heat to help kill any hidden ticks
If you find a tick attached, remove it promptly with fine-tipped tweezers and clean the area. Watch for symptoms like fever, rash, fatigue, or flu-like illness in the days or weeks after a bite—and seek medical advice if they appear.
Awareness and simple habits make a big difference.
