Information from the New Jersey Department of Health
Ticks can become infected with diseases when feeding on white-footed mice and other small mammals. An infected tick can then spread disease to a person through a tick bite. You can reduce the risk of getting diseases from ticks by taking steps to avoid tick bites.
Know where ticks are: ticks live in or near wooded or grassy areas. Always walk in the center of trails to avoid contact with ticks.
Keep your yard clean: mow lawns, clear brush and remove leaf litter.
Repel ticks: use EPA-registered repellent with DEET picaridin, IR3535, Oil of Lemon Eucalyptus (OLE), or 2- undecanone on skin and permethrin on clothing, boots and gear. Most repellents can be used on children older than 2 months. Products containing OLE should not be used on children under 3 years. Always follow product label instructions.
Inspect: check your entire body—and your children’s— for ticks after being outside. Remove attached ticks with tweezers. Be sure to check these parts of your body and use a hand-held or full-length mirror to view all parts of your body: inside belly button, back of the knees, under the arms, in/around the hair, between the legs, around the waist, in/around the ears, on the scalp.
Cover up: wear long sleeves and pants tucked into socks to prevent ticks from getting under clothes.
Shower: showering within two hours after being outside (ideally, as soon as possible) can help find and wash off unattached ticks.
Protect pets: keep pets safe by checking for ticks daily and using tick control products as recommended by your veterinarian.
For more information, visit the NJ Department of Health’s website at state.nj.us/health/.
