It’s tick time: Be informed, not afraid.

Spring and summer are when ticks are most active.

Ticks can be anywhere. In your yard to the wilds, often transported by birds.

The tick starts out as an egg then matures into a larva, a nymph then adult stage over a couple years. The nymph life stage is active in spring and summer, and is found on tree trunks, fallen logs, wooden benches and in leaf litter and feed on smaller animals, but they will also attach to people and pets. Adult ticks are also active in fall when they climb to the tips of vegetation, often alongside trails or paths, and attach themselves to hosts, such as deer, pets or humans that brush against them.

Here are some tips to keep you, your family and pets tick-free.

Tick-Check. Every time. Conduct thorough tick checks routinely after outdoor activity. Check yourself and children for ticks under the arms, in and around the ears, inside the belly button, behind the knees, between the legs, around the waist, and especially in the hair. Prompt and proper tick removal is key to preventing Lyme disease.

Wash Thoroughly. A warm shower or bath will wash away ticks that have not yet become engorged (particularly in hard-to-reach areas). Remove the tick within 24 hours. Clothes should also be washed in hot water and/or placed in a hot dryer for one hour.

Check Your Pets. Dogs and cats can get Lyme disease. They can also carry ticks into your home, putting family members at risk. Indoor/outdoor animals should be checked regularly.

Check Your Gear. Ticks often come into the house on a ride. Check coats, day packs, and camping gear. Check gear labels to see if they can be placed in the dryer.

Walk, Bike, and Run Wisely. Stay to the middle of trails, avoid long grasses, and avoid sitting on logs or leaning on trees. If you can’t avoid, be sure to tick-check thoroughly.

Dress Smartly. Wear a hat and tuck in your hair and wear light-colored clothes–it’s easier to see ticks. Cover wrists and ankles, tuck pants into socks and opt for long-sleeves.

Consider Natural Repellents. Try lemon and eucalyptus oil to repel ticks and there are several all-natural organic sprays now on the market.

Found a tick? Don’t panic.

The Bay Area Lyme Foundation offers lots of information to keep you informed about ticks and Lyme disease.

How to remove a tick
Tick testing
Lyme disease symptoms

Western black-legged tick, Ixodes pacificus. From left: nymph, adult male, adult female. (Photo courtesy Richmond Laboratory, California Dept. Public Health)

Image: “Monterey Bay” by Buddha Dog, Creative Commons

Eco-guide to living lighter

What you Need to Know about Ticks & Lyme Disease

What you Need to Know about Ticks & Lyme Disease

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