Tick Safety and Kids: How to Do a Tick Check and What to Watch Out For

As summer rolls in and children get ready for the fun and adventure of summer camps, it’s a great opportunity for parents to brush up on tick safety. The United States is home to nearly 50 species of ticks, a few of which can transmit diseases. While these cases are rare, the National Institutes of Health recommend simple precautions to ensure that everyone stays safe and healthy. Here’s how you can protect your kids from ticks as they enjoy the great outdoors.

How to keep kids safe

Educating kids about ticks

How to check for ticks

How to remove a tick

When to call a doctor

How to keep kids safe from ticks

• Choose the right clothing: Dress your child in light-colored clothing to make it easier to spot ticks. Opt for long sleeves and pants, and consider tucking pants into socks to minimize skin exposure.

• Use tick repellents: Apply EPA-approved tick repellents that contain 20-30% DEET on your child's exposed skin and clothing.

• Stay on cleared paths: Encourage your child to stick to the center of trails and avoid brushing against tall grass and bushes, where ticks are more likely to be found.

• Perform regular tick checks: After any outdoor activity, check your child for ticks. Pay special attention to areas like behind the ears, under the arms, around the waist, and behind the knees.

When should you start checking for ticks?

Tick checks should be a routine part of outdoor activities as soon as the weather begins to warm in the spring. Ticks are most active from spring through fall, but in warmer areas, they can be active year-round. Start checking for ticks whenever your child spends time outdoors, especially in areas with grass, bushes, or trees. Early detection and removal of ticks are crucial in preventing the transmission of tick-borne diseases.

How serious are ticks on children?

Ticks can be a serious concern for children due to their curious nature and the likelihood of playing in tick-prone areas. While most tick bites are harmless and do not transmit diseases, certain ticks can carry pathogens that cause illnesses such as Lyme disease, Rocky Mountain spotted fever, and other tick-borne diseases. These diseases can have significant health impacts on children, including fever, rash, fatigue, and in rare cases, more severe complications if left untreated.

 Educating both yourself and your child, conducting regular tick checks, and knowing how to properly remove a tick are key steps in managing the risks associated with tick bites. Additionally, consulting a healthcare provider for advice tailored to your area and the specific tick risks can further help in safeguarding your child's health.

Educating children about tick safety

• Explain what ticks are: Teach your children about ticks—what they look like, where they live, and why they need to avoid them. Children who understand the "why" behind the actions are more likely to follow precautions seriously.

• Role-play scenarios: Practice routine checks with your child before they go to camp. Show them how to properly inspect their own bodies and even make a game out of spotting ticks on clothing or gear.

• Teach them to speak up: Encourage your child to notify an adult if they find a tick on themselves or a friend. Knowing how to seek help is crucial, especially in situations where they may need assistance with tick removal.

• Discuss the importance of repellent: Help them understand how repellents work and ensure they feel comfortable applying it themselves if old enough, or remind them to ask for help from camp staff.

Tips on how to check for ticks

• Daily checks: Make tick checks a part of your child's daily routine, especially during summer camp. Use a handheld or full-length mirror to help inspect all parts of the body.

• Shower promptly: Encourage your child to shower soon after being outdoors. This not only washes away unattached ticks but also provides a good opportunity to check for any ticks that may be on the body.

If a tick is found, here’s how to remove it

• Use fine-tipped tweezers: Grasp the tick as close to the skin's surface as possible.

• Pull upward steadily: Do not twist or jerk the tick, as this can cause the mouth-parts to break off and remain in the skin. If this happens, remove the mouth-parts with tweezers. If unable to remove the mouth easily, leave it alone and let the skin heal.

• Clean the bite area and your hands: After removing the tick, thoroughly clean the bite area and your hands with rubbing alcohol or soap and water.

• Dispose of or save the tick: Submerge the tick in alcohol, place it in a sealed bag/container, wrap it tightly in tape, or flush it down the toilet. Avoid crushing the tick with your fingers. If your child has been bitten, you can bring the tick in a ziploc bag to the doctor and they may send it out for testing.

When to call a doctor

If you live in an area where Lyme disease is prevalent, some pediatricians may prescribe a preventative dose of antibiotics after a tick bite. It's important to have a conversation with your child's healthcare provider about the best steps to take following a tick encounter. You'll definitely want to call your child's doctor if: 

• If a rash or fever develops within several weeks of removing a tick. This could be a sign of Lyme disease or other tick-borne illnesses.
• If the tick was on the skin for more than 24 hours. The risk of disease transmission increases the longer the tick is attached.
• If you are unable to remove the tick completely. A doctor can help remove the remaining parts and provide advice on any further steps.