Tips for Protecting Children from Tick Bites During Warmer Seasons

The spring and summer months bring warmer weather, but also ticks, which are more active at this time of year. PA Promise for Children has provided some tips in its Kindergarten Here I Come newsletter on how to prevent children from tick bites.

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Ticks are small and often difficult to spot - but they can carry diseases, such as lyme disease or Rocky Mountain spotted fever.

One of PA Promise for Children’s suggestions to prevent tick bites is to dress children for protection. When they are heading out for walks or hikes, make sure they are wearing light-colored clothing, which makes ticks easier to spot. Also, dress them in long sleeves and pants as well as tucked-in socks to keep the bugs away from the skin.

Insect repellent can also keep ticks at bay. Apply tick repellent that is safe for children, especially on exposed skin. Only apply products that contain between 20 percent and 30 percent DEET or those specifically labeled for tick prevention.

If children are hiking or in the woods, tell them to stay on well-maintained paths and to avoid brushing against tall grasses or bushes, where ticks tend to hide.

Once children arrive home after outdoor play, carefully check their skin, especially in warm areas such as behind the ears, underarms, and the waist. The sooner a tick is removed, the less likely the risk of illness. Also, getting a child to shower after being outdoors can help to remove the bugs before they can attach.