Tick-borne diseases are passed to humans by the bite of an infected tick. Protect yourself using these steps:

• AVOID CONTACT WITH TICKS
  • Avoid wooded and brushy areas with high grass
  • Walk in the center of wooded trails
• REPEL TICKS
  • Use repellent that contains at least 20% DEET on exposed skin (follow package instructions)
  • You can purchase clothing that is treated with tick repellant
  • Protect your yard using Tick Tubes, available from the Scituate Health Alliance!
• FIND AND REMOVE TICKS
  • Shower as soon as possible after coming indoors
  • Conduct a full-body tick check. Use a mirror to view all parts of your body. Make sure you check under your arms, in and around ears, inside the belly button, behind the knees, between the legs, around the waist, and in the hair. Parents should perform a tick check on children
  • Don’t forget your pets! Check your pets daily for ticks if they spend any time outdoors, if a tick is found, remove immediately
• CALL YOUR HEALTHCARE PROVIDER IF…
  • Call your healthcare provider if you develop a fever or rash after being exposed to a tick