7 Ways to Stay Tick-Safe This Summer

Whether you’re hiking a trail, tending your garden, exploring in woods, or simply spending more time in the backyard, summer brings more time outdoors.

It also brings something less welcome: ticks. 

While tick-borne illnesses like Lyme disease often get the most attention, they’re not the only concern. In Missouri, diseases such as Rocky Mountain spotted fever, tularemia, and ehrlichiosis are also important risks to be aware of. Luckily, a few simple habits can go a long way toward protecting your health while you enjoy spending time in nature.

Dr. Henri Roca, functional medicine physician at PALM Health, shares seven ways to stay tick-safe this summer—and what to do if you find one.

1. Stay on the Trail

Ticks love tall grass, brush, and overgrown vegetation. When you’re hiking or walking outdoors, try to stay in the center of established trails rather than venturing into high grass or wooded undergrowth.

“Think of it this way: the less contact you have with vegetation, the fewer opportunities ticks have to hitch a ride,” says Dr. Roca.

2. Cover Up 

Protective clothing can significantly reduce tick exposure. When spending time in tick-prone areas, consider:

• Wearing long-sleeved shirts
• Choosing long pants instead of shorts
• Tucking pant legs into socks
• Wearing closed-toe shoes

The goal is simple: create a barrier between your skin and the environment.

3. Use an Effective Repellent

Tick repellents add another layer of protection.

Products containing DEET or permethrin can help repel ticks when used as directed. Dr. Roca recommends spraying repellants on your protective clothing so as not to apply chemicals directly on the skin. Some natural alternatives, such as oil of lemon eucalyptus or neem oil, can be safely applied directly to the skin.

No repellent is perfect, but combining repellents with protective clothing can significantly reduce your risk.

4. Check Your Pets

Pets run into grassy areas—there’s no stopping them. Thus, they can often bring ticks into the house.

If your pet is fond of running through vegetation (especially if you live in a rural or wooded area), consider treating your pet for ticks, keeping them off the bed or upholstered furniture, and doing regular tick checks.

5. Make Tick Checks Part of Your Routine

One of the easiest ways to protect yourself is also one of the most effective.

After spending time outdoors, take a few minutes to check your body, clothing, and gear for ticks. Pay special attention to areas where ticks commonly hide, including:

• Behind the knees
• Around the waistband
• Under the arms
• Along the hairline and scalp
• Behind the ears
• Around the groin area
• On the back (make sure to have someone check this for you!) 

A quick check can help you spot a tick before it has been attached for long.

5. Remove Ticks Carefully

Found a tick attached to your skin? Don’t panic.

Use fine-tip tweezers to grasp the tick as close to the skin as possible. Pull upward slowly and steadily at a 45 degree angle until the tick releases.

Avoid squeezing or crushing the tick’s body during removal. “The goal is to remove it cleanly and safely without expelling the tick’s contents,” says Dr. Roca. Avoid using heat, chemicals, or salves. 

If part of the mouth remains in the skin, your body will typically work it out naturally.

6. Save The Tick!

If you remove a tick, consider saving it in a sealed bag or container rather than immediately discarding it. Identifying the type of tick—and in some cases, having it tested for diseases—may provide useful information if symptoms develop later.

Some local health departments, universities, and specialized laboratories offer tick identification and testing services. Dr. Roca recommends these resources:

1. TickReport (University of Massachusetts Laboratory of Medical Zoology)
2. TickCheck
3. Tick Research Lab of Pennsylvania  

It may seem like a hassle, but it could save time, worry, and unnecessary treatment down the road if you know what the tick carried.

7. Watch for Symptoms—And Not Just a Bullseye Rash

Many people associate Lyme disease with the classic “bullseye” rash. However, not everyone develops one, and many people never notice a rash at all.

That’s why it’s important to pay attention to other symptoms that can appear days, weeks, or even months after a tick bite, including:

• Unusual fatigue
• Muscle aches
• Joint pain
• Facial weakness or drooping
• Tingling or numbness sensations
• Unexplained neurological symptoms

Lyme disease is sometimes called an imitator because its symptoms can resemble many other conditions.

If you’ve had a recent tick bite—or spent time in an area where ticks are common—and something doesn’t feel right, talk with your healthcare provider.

Enjoy the Outdoors With Confidence

Tick safety doesn’t mean avoiding the activities you love.

Instead, think of it as another healthy summer habit—just like wearing sunscreen or staying hydrated. A little preparation, a quick tick check, and knowing what to do if you find one can help you enjoy the season with greater peace of mind.