Indiana DNR: Tick Tips

Prevention continues, even after the hike

Photo via Indiana DNR.

INDIANA - The Indiana DNR is reminding Hoosiers to be aware of ticks with some friendly reminders. 

Hoosiers are advised to remember that prevention continues, even after the hike.

The Indiana DNR recommends try their Tick-Attacking Afterglow routine.

• Shower within 2 hours. A quick warm rinse after being outdoors helps wash away any ticks that haven’t latched on yet and gives you the perfect moment for a full-body tick check!
• Head-to-toe tick scan. Grab a mirror (or a friend!) and inspect common tick hideaways including behind your knees, in your armpits, waistline, belly button, scalp, behind ears, and around your ankles. Ticks love the coziest body nooks.

Remove ticks the safest way:

• Use fine-tipped tweezers. Grasp the tick as close to the skin as possible.
• Pull straight upward steadily. Avoid twisting or jerking!
• Don’t squeeze the tick’s body.
• Don’t fall for old wives’ tales! Home remedies like petroleum jelly or using heat can aggravate ticks and make bites worse.

Clean & Contain

Wash the bite with soap and water or alcohol and wash your hands. Trap the tick in sealed tape, a small container, alcohol, or flush it. Don’t crush it.

Laundry duty is essential

Tumble dry your clothes and outdoor gear on high for 20+ minutes as soon as you arrive home, when possible. This will kill any ticks that are hiding out.

Bonus tip before settling down to relax: Remember to check your children and pets for ticks, too.

You can find more information about tick prevention here: https://ow.ly/jBbJ50Z5GSm