The summer after I turned 16, I developed a huge bull’s eye rash on my left leg. Shortly after, I started experiencing severe migraines, dizziness, and piercing joint pain. One trip to the doctor later, and I was diagnosed with Lyme Disease. With one bite, my summer was ruined, and how I explored the outdoors changed forever. I’ve learned since that it’s easy to protect myself from contracting Lyme Disease again.

First, learn when and where to expect ticks. Blacklegged Ticks are the most common carrier of the bacteria that causes Lyme Disease. When temperatures are above freezing, young (nymphal) and adult ticks emerge and start searching for a blood meal. Nymphal and adult Blacklegged Ticks will bite humans, animals, reptiles, and even amphibians!

Ideal habitat for ticks is forest edge habitats and understory vegetation. Think of places like walking, biking, and hiking trails- right along the forest’s edge. Other places, like streambanks and gardens, are also likely places for ticks. For me, I was bit by a tick while walking along the edge of a farm field!

Second, wear appropriate clothing and gear. Light colored clothing makes the dark, poppy-seed sized tick nymphs easier to spot. While it looks silly, tuck your shirt into your pants and your pants into your socks. This helps prevent ticks from crawling under your clothes. While shorts are great on warm spring and summer days, it’s easier for a tick to crawl under your clothes.

Clothes can also be pre-treated with appropriate pesticides. Companies like L. L. Bean, Columbia, and Insect Shield sell pre-treated clothing. I buy pre-treated clothing, saving me from struggling to apply insecticides at home.

Third, use EPA-approved insect repellents every time you’re outdoors. Scientific research has proven that insect repellents with 20% to 30% DEET are most effective. Scientists also found that using only DEET is 85% to 89% effective at repelling ticks. The EPA has an online Insect Repellent Bot that can help users choose a repellent that aligns with their personal needs.

Fourth, conduct regular tick checks after being outdoors. The longer a tick is attached to you, the more likely you are to contract Lyme Disease. Ticks are usually found in moist, dark-skinned areas with thin skin. Focus in and around your hair and ears, armpits, belly button, waist, groin, and behind the knees. Some ticks will bite wherever, so also be sure to check your legs, arms, and between your toes and fingers.

Lastly, know how to remove a tick- if you find one. Removing a tick properly can help prevent Lyme Disease, even if a tick has been attached for some time. After finding a tick, use fine-tipped tweezers or a tick key to grasp the tick at the head or as close to skin as possible. Pull up with firm, even pressure, taking care not to twist or jerk the tick. After removing the tick, clean the area and your hands with rubbing alcohol or warm, soapy water.  

The most important part to remove is the tick’s head. Ignore old wives’ tales about ticks. Removing ticks by burning them or smothering with Vaseline is not successful at preventing Lyme Disease. Slowly and carefully removing a tick with the correct tools is the best way to ensure the whole tick is removed.

Lyme Disease is preventable by staying aware and protected. Other tricks, like removing ticks completely, are also beneficial. By following these tips and tricks, I’ve not had Lyme Disease since I was 16. I look forward to many more years of tick-free exploring outdoors!

Works Cited

CDC. “Preventing Tick Bites.” CDC.GOV, U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 17 May 2024, www.cdc.gov/ticks/prevention/index.html. Accessed 5 Apr. 2025.

Columbia Sportswear. “Insect Shield® | Columbia Sportswear.” Columbia.com, 2025, www.columbia.com/c/technology-insect-shield/?srsltid=AfmBOopIZTpDgZ3e0Td6rBgLcC56u3mTJ4WLu9GNKF6IgBy4YkLER3Z4. Accessed 6 Apr. 2025.

Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. “​​Tick Surveillance and Testing.” PA.GOV, Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, 2025, www.pa.gov/agencies/dep/programs-and-services/integration/vector-management/ticks.html#accordion-7ff146f74e-item-776b68db7f. Accessed 6 Apr. 2025.

—. “Blacklegged Tick.” PA.GOV, Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, 2024, www.pa.gov/agencies/dep/programs-and-services/integration/vector-management/ticks/blacklegged-tick.html. Accessed 5 Apr. 2025.

—. “Tickborne Diseases Dashboard.” PA.GOV, Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, 2025, app.powerbigov.us/view?r=eyJrIjoiMTM1OWFiODUtM2ExZS00MDFhLThmN2ItMzUxNjZlYzY4NDg5IiwidCI6IjQxOGUyODQxLTAxMjgtNGRkNS05YjZjLTQ3ZmM1YTlhMWJkZSJ9. Accessed 6 Apr. 2025.

Insect Shield. “Insect Repellent Clothing | Built-in Bug Protection.” Insect Shield, www.insectshield.com/. Accessed 5 Apr. 2025.

L.L. Bean. “Insect-Repellent Clothing and Gear .” L.L.Bean, 2025, www.llbean.com/llb/shop/516182?qs=3091740_GOOGLE&Matchtype=e&gad_source=1&gclid=Cj0KCQjwqcO_BhDaARIsACz62vN5_mysh-7QLtv311FpELJxB-VZEc0ybWDgn-Y-nGB5DsJgwnPsklEaAqE0EALw_wcB&gclsrc=aw.ds. Accessed 6 Apr. 2025.

Tange, Lennart. Female Blacklegged Tick, 20 May 2012, www.flickr.com/photos/77856868@N04/7236314390. Accessed 12 Apr. 2025.

US EPA, OCSPP. “Repellents: Protection against Mosquitoes, Ticks and Other Arthropods.” EPA.GOV, United States Environmental Protection Agency, 9 July 2013, www.epa.gov/insect-repellents. Accessed 5 Apr. 2025.