Been Outside? Here’s How to Check Yourself for Ticks

Summer of Ticks: Tick season is worse than usual this year. Not only are there more ticks in more areas, but tick bites are sending more people to the ER.

The Benefits: A proper tick check only takes a few minutes and is one of the best ways to reduce your risk of tick-borne illnesses after spending time outdoors.

How to Do It: As soon as you get home from hiking, gardening, or walking through wooded areas, tall grass, or brush, take a shower to wash away any un-embedded ticks. Then, carefully examine your entire body. Pay close attention to your scalp and hairline, behind your ears, under your arms, around your waist, inside your belly button, in your groin area, between your legs, behind your knees, between your toes, and around your ankles. If possible, ask someone to help check areas that are difficult to view, such as your back and scalp.

Also inspect your clothing, shoes, backpacks, and other gear, as ticks can cling to fabrics and later make their way onto your skin. Place your clothes in a hot dryer for about 10 minutes, or longer if they’re damp, to help kill any ticks that may still be attached. It’s also important to check pets, since they can carry ticks indoors.