'Limit, repel, inspect' to prevent tick bites

Public health officials have outlined three steps — “limit, repel and inspect” — to prevent tick bites and the illnesses that might result, as well as how to remove a tick that has already bitten.

Limit: Ticks live in wooded, brushy, or grassy areas so walk in the center of trails and mow your property where you and your pets spend time.

Repel: Wear long, light-colored pants and socks to spot ticks more easily and use insect repellents.

Inspect: Check your skin carefully for ticks after returning from outdoor activities especially if you were in wooded, brushy, or grassy areas. Common hiding places for ticks are the scalp, beard, back of the knees, armpits, groin, back of the neck and behind the ears.

If a tick is found and is attached, follow these steps to safely remove the tick.

1. Use fine-tipped, pointed tweezers to grasp the tick as close to the skin’s surface as possible.

2. Pull upward with steady, even pressure. Don’t twist or jerk the tick; this can cause the mouth-parts to break off and remain in the skin. If this happens, remove the mouth-parts with tweezers. If you are unable to remove the mouth easily with clean tweezers, leave it alone and let the skin heal.

3. After removing the tick, thoroughly clean the bite area and your hands with rubbing alcohol, an iodine scrub, or soap and water.

In recent years, cases of Rocky Mountain spotted fever and tularemia have increased in Montana. The tick that causes lyme disease is not found in Montana. To date, cases reported in Montana have all been associated with travel to the Northeast and upper Midwest of the United States.

The most common symptoms of tick-borne infections include fever and chills, aches and pains, rash, and fever of varying degrees.

Individuals should see their healthcare provider immediately if they have been bitten by a tick and experience symptoms.

For more information visit www.dphhs.mt.gov.