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How to Prevent and Manage Tick Bites: Expert Tips and Advice

Here’s something that might make your skin crawl: tick bites.

The idea of a small insect burrowing into your skin to feed on your blood can feel unsettling, but it’s a reality in many parts of the country. While you might not even notice when a tick bites, understanding how to prevent and manage these bites is key to staying healthy. 

Bryan Kuhn, PharmD, a pharmacist and clinical toxicologist with Banner Health, shared tips on avoiding tick bites and what to do if you encounter one.

Where do ticks live?

You don’t have to hike in the woods to encounter ticks—they can be closer than you think. While ticks are often associated with wooded areas, they also thrive in leaf piles, tall grass, and overgrown shrubs in your yard. To reduce your risk of exposure, Dr. Kuhn suggested wearing long pants and boots while gardening or hiking.

After spending time outdoors, check yourself thoroughly for ticks and shower promptly. Ticks can hitch a ride into your home on your clothing, so the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends tumble-drying clothes on high heat for 10 minutes to kill any ticks that may have come along for the ride.

Common places ticks hide on your body

Ticks tend to settle in warm, moist areas of the body. Check these spots thoroughly after being outdoors:

  • Under the arms
  • In and around the ears
  • Inside the belly button
  • Behind the knees
  • In and around hair
  • Between the legs
  • Around the waist

How common are tick bites?

The risk of tick bites varies depending on where you live and the time of year. Tick bites are generally more common in warmer months when people spend more time outdoors. While they’re less prevalent in some regions, ticks are found throughout the U.S.

How dangerous are tick bites?

“A tick bite doesn’t guarantee Lyme disease,” Dr. Kuhn explained. “It’s actually a rare outcome if the bite is treated quickly.”

Tick-borne illnesses like Lyme disease or Rocky Mountain spotted fever are the most common concerns. Symptoms of these illnesses can include flu-like discomfort, fever, and rashes. Both conditions are treatable, especially when addressed early.

Dr. Kuhn emphasized that for a tick to transmit enough bacteria to cause Lyme disease, it must be attached for several hours or even days.

How to safely remove a tick

Forget the old wives’ tales—removing a tick doesn’t involve heat, petroleum jelly or nail polish. Instead, follow these CDC-recommended steps to remove a tick safely:

  1. Use fine-tipped tweezers to grasp the tick as close to the skin as possible.
  2. Pull upward with steady, even pressure. Avoid twisting or jerking, as this can leave parts of the tick embedded in the skin.
  3. If the mouthparts break off and remain in your skin, try to remove them with tweezers. If that’s not possible, allow the skin to heal naturally.
  4. Clean the bite area and your hands with rubbing alcohol or soap and water.
  5. Dispose of the tick by placing it in alcohol, a sealed bag, or tape, or flushing it down the toilet.

If you notice a rash, flu-like symptoms or other unusual reactions after a tick bite, call the Banner Poison & Drug Information Center at 800-222-1222 for expert guidance and next steps.

Stay vigilant and informed

Ticks can be found in many parts of the U.S., so it’s important to know how to protect yourself and manage bites. Quick action can help prevent complications and keep you safe. If you have questions or concerns, Banner Health’s experts are here to help.

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Content in this article was updated on January 22, 2025.
Poison Prevention Safety