How to Prevent Tick Bites: A Simple Guide for Outdoor Safety

The State of Michigan has reported a 168% increase in Lyme disease over the last five years, as cases surpassed 1,200 in 2024, leading the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services to issue a warning on Wednesday, May 21, ahead of the holiday weekend, to be on the defensive against tick bites.

“The best way to guard against tick-borne diseases like Lyme disease is to prevent tick bites in the first place,” said Dr. Nick Dyc, IEP Urgent Care's Medical Director.

Whether you're hiking through the woods, gardening in your backyard, or simply enjoying the great outdoors, ticks can pose a real threat. These tiny arachnids can carry diseases like Lyme disease, Rocky Mountain spotted fever, and others. The good news? Most tick bites can be avoided with a few smart precautions. Here’s how to stay safe and tick-free.

Dress Defensively

When venturing into grassy, bushy, or wooded areas, what you wear matters:

• Cover up: Long sleeves, long pants, and socks create a barrier against ticks.

• Tuck in: Tuck your pants into your socks and your shirt into your pants to limit tick access.

• Choose light colors: Lighter clothing makes it easier to spot ticks.

Use Tick Repellents

Applying tick repellent is one of the most effective defenses:

• DEET: Use a repellent containing at least 20% DEET on exposed skin and clothing.

• Permethrin: Treat clothing and gear with permethrin for added protection (do not apply directly to skin).

• Natural options: Oil of lemon eucalyptus and other EPA-approved natural repellents can be effective alternatives.

Stay on the Trail

Ticks thrive in tall grasses and wooded underbrush. Avoid brushing up against vegetation by:

• Sticking to the center of trails.

• Avoiding leaf litter and dense vegetation.

Do a Tick Check After Every Outing

Ticks can latch on without you noticing. After spending time outdoors:

• Check your whole body, including underarms, behind ears, behind knees, and around the waist.

• Shower within two hours of coming indoors—it can help wash off unattached ticks and make it easier to spot them.

• Use a mirror for hard-to-see areas, or have someone help check.

Check Your Pets and Gear

Ticks can hitch a ride on pets, backpacks, and clothing:

• Inspect pets after they come indoors, especially around the ears and under the collar.

• Wash and tumble dry clothes on high heat to kill any hidden ticks.

• Consider vet-approved tick preventatives for dogs and cats.

Landscape Your Yard for Tick Control

Make your yard less inviting to ticks:

• Keep grass trimmed short.

• Remove leaf litter, wood piles, and tall brush around the house.

• Create a barrier of wood chips or gravel between lawns and wooded areas to limit tick migration.

Know the Symptoms of Tick-Borne Illness

If you do get bitten, monitor for signs of illness:

• Rash (especially a bulls-eye pattern with Lyme disease)

• Fever, fatigue, or muscle aches

• Swollen joints or neurological symptoms

Seek medical attention if symptoms arise after a tick bite or outdoor exposure.