Pomperaug District Department of Health Preventing Lyme Disease

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Personal Protection Tips

Lyme disease is caused by a bacteria that is transmitted to humans by the bite of an infective black legged tick, which is also known as the deer tick. Black legged ticks are found everywhere - in the woods, in fields, at the shore, in the backyard. Ticks like to rest on low-lying brush and "catch a ride" on a passing animal or person. They bite year round. However, the peak season in the northeast is April - September. Here are some tips to reduce your chance of getting a tick bite: Avoid tick infested areas, when possible. When walking in the woods, stay on trails and try no to brush up against low bushes or tall grass. Wear light colored clothing which will allow you to spot ticks more easily. Wear a long sleeve shirt and long pants. Tuck your shirt into your pants and your pants into your socks. If you cannot wear protective clothing, increase you vigilance in conducting tick-checks. Use an EPA-approved tick repellent. Insect repellants containing no more than 30% DEET can be used on skin and clothing. Follow label directions carefully. Insect repellents must be used with caution - especially on children. Never apply insect repellents to a child's hands and face. Always wash off the repellent when you return inside. Conduct a tick-check on clothing and exposed skin. You should also do a naked, full body examination at your earliest convenience. Be sure to check the scalp, behind and in the ears and behind any joints. Check your pets. Pets can get Lyme disease. They can also bring ticks into the house and put you and your family at risk.

There are also things you can do around your yard to reduce tick exposure. Prune trees, clear brush, remove litter and mow the grass often. Let grass dry thoroughly between waterings, because ticks need moist habitats to live. Remove shrubby overgrowth between your lawn and woods. Modify your property so that it is unattractive to animals that are hosts to ticks. Build fences around the property, clear away wood, garbage and leaf piles, and eliminate stone walls, bird feeders and bird baths. Widen trails and move play equipment to non-tick areas. Apply tick-killing chemicals to the property.

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