Lyme disease is a bacterial infection that is transmitted to humans through the bite of infected ticks. Here are some ways to prevent Lyme disease:
- Wear protective clothing: When going outdoors, wear long-sleeved shirts, long pants, and socks. Tuck your pants into your socks to prevent ticks from crawling up your legs.
- Use tick repellent: Use insect repellent that contains DEET, picaridin, or oil of lemon eucalyptus on your skin and clothes. Apply it as directed on the label.
- Check for ticks: After being outside, check yourself and your pets for ticks. Ticks can be as small as a poppy seed, so use a magnifying glass to get a good look.
- Shower after being outdoors: Take a shower within two hours of coming indoors. This can help wash off any ticks that have not yet attached.
- Keep your yard clean: Keep your grass cut short and remove leaf litter and brush to make your yard less attractive to ticks.
- Treat your pets: Use tick control products on your pets to prevent ticks from attaching and bringing them inside.
- Stay in the center of trails: When hiking, stay in the center of trails to avoid contact with ticks that may be on the edges.
- Check your gear: Ticks can attach to your clothing and gear, so be sure to check them thoroughly after being outdoors.
By following these measures, you can reduce your risk of contracting Lyme disease. If you do find a tick on yourself or a pet, remove it promptly with tweezers, grabbing it close to the skin and pulling it straight out. If you develop a rash or other symptoms after a tick bite, seek medical attention promptly.
