As many of us head outdoors for hiking, camping, and backyard fun this Labor Day weekend, the Virginia Department of Health has posted some tips to stay tick-free this holiday weekend. A blog posting on the VDH Facebook page says the lone star tick, American dog tick, and blacklegged tick can spread illnesses like Lyme disease, Alpha-gal syndrome, ehrlichiosis, and Rocky Mountain spotted fever.
How to Protect Yourself and Your Family:
Use Repellent: Apply EPA-registered repellents with DEET, picaridin, IR3535, 2-undecanone, or oil of lemon eucalyptus. Treat clothing with permethrin.
Dress Smart: Wear long sleeves, long pants tucked into socks, and light-colored clothing to spot ticks more easily.
Do Tick Checks: After time outdoors, check your body, clothing, and pets carefully. Shower soon after and run clothes in a hot dryer.
Protect Pets: Ask your vet about tick prevention products and check pets often.
If You Find a Tick:
Remove it promptly with fine-tipped tweezers, pulling straight up.
Clean the area with soap and water, alcohol, or iodine.
Watch for fever, rash, or other symptoms in the weeks after.
You can also send ticks found on yourself or your family to Virginia’s Tick Survey to help track where bites are happening.
For more details, visit the Virginia Department of Health’s Tick Prevention page.
