Ticks basics: What to know about prevention, checks, treatment

 As warmer weather draws people outdoors, Emplify Health by Gundersen reminds community members to be on the lookout for ticks — and not just in the Northwoods. With warmer weather and recent heavy rain, conditions are becoming more favorable for ticks in rural and urban areas. This makes it important for everyone to know about and prevent tick bites, no matter where they live.

The Wisconsin Department of Health Services monitors tick-related emergency department visits throughout the state, and data shows tick activity is continually rising and has spread to nearly every county in Wisconsin.

To keep yourself, children and your pets safe from ticks, here are your quick facts to prevent, find and treat tick bites:

Tick bite prevention

• Use EPA-registered insect repellent
• Treat clothing and gear with permethrin
• Wear long-sleeved shirts, long pants tucked into socks and closed-toe shoes
• Treat your yard
• Avoid walking through tall grass, brush or leaf litter

Where to check for ticks

• Under the arms and behind the knees
• In and around the ears
• Inside the belly button
• Around the waist and hairline
• Between the legs
• On the scalp and through the hair
• For pets: under the collar

Removing ticks and treating bites

• Grasp tick as close to skin’s surface as possible with clean, fine-tipped tweezers
• Pull upward with steady, even pressure (do not twist)
• Clean bite area with rubbing alcohol, soap and water or hand sanitizer
• Save the tick in a sealed container to identify species if symptoms develop

After tick removal and bite treatment, watch for symptoms including rash, fever, fatigue, headache and muscle aches in the days and weeks that follow.

“Most tick bites that are promptly addressed do not require a visit to the doctor,” said Megan Meller, infection preventionist at Emplify Health by Gundersen. “However, if you are unable to remove the tick, you develop any symptoms or if the tick appears to have been attached for an extended period of time, it’s best to schedule an appointment to see your primary care provider for evaluation and develop a treatment plan, if needed.”

For updates on tick activity through Wisconsin, please visit the Wisconsin DHS website’s Ticks in Wisconsin: Data and Surveillance page for real-time data, regional updates and additional resources.