Jeff Ehnstrom, MD
As the Land of 10,000 Lakes transitions into warmer months, Minnesotans eagerly embrace outdoor activities. However, along with the joys of nature comes the potential nuisance of woodticks. These tiny arachnids are prevalent in Minnesota’s wooded areas and can transmit diseases such as Lyme disease and anaplasmosis. In this guide, we’ll explore essential tips for preventing woodtick bites and staying safe while enjoying the great outdoors.
Understanding Woodticks:
Woodticks, also known as deer ticks or black-legged ticks, are small parasites commonly found in wooded and grassy areas. They feed on the blood of mammals, including humans, and can transmit diseases through their bites. Lyme disease is a concern in Minnesota, with thousands of reported cases each year.
Preventive Measures:
- Wear Protective Clothing: When venturing into wooded or grassy areas, wear long sleeves, pants, and closed-toe shoes to minimize exposed skin. Tuck pant legs into socks or boots to create a barrier against ticks.
- Use Insect Repellent: Apply insect repellent containing DEET or picaridin to exposed skin and clothing. Follow product instructions carefully, especially when applying to children.
- Perform Tick Checks: After spending time outdoors, thoroughly check your body and clothing for ticks. Pay close attention to areas such as the scalp, behind the ears, armpits, groin, and behind the knees.
- Shower After Outdoor Activities: Take a shower as soon as possible after returning indoors to wash away any unattached ticks. Use a washcloth or loofah to help dislodge ticks that may be hiding on your skin.
- Treat Pets for Ticks: Pets can also pick up ticks while outdoors. Use veterinarian-recommended tick preventatives and regularly inspect your pets for ticks, especially after walks or hikes.
Safe Tick Removal:
If you find a tick attached to your skin, it’s essential to remove it promptly and properly to reduce the risk of disease transmission. Follow these steps for safe tick removal:
- Use fine-tipped tweezers to grasp the tick as close to the skin’s surface as possible.
- Gently and steadily pull the tick upward with even pressure. Avoid twisting or jerking motions, which can cause the mouthparts to break off and remain in the skin.
- After removing the tick, clean the bite area and your hands with rubbing alcohol, an antiseptic wipe, or soap and water.
- Dispose of the tick by flushing it down the toilet, placing it in a sealed bag or container, or submerging it in alcohol
Seek Medical Attention:
If you develop symptoms such as fever, rash, fatigue, or muscle aches after a tick bite, seek medical attention promptly. Early detection and treatment of tick-borne illnesses are crucial for a full recovery.
“Woodticks are a common presence in Minnesota’s outdoor spaces, but with awareness and preventive measures, you can minimize the risk of tick bites and tick-borne illnesses. By incorporating these tips into your outdoor routine, you can enjoy nature’s beauty while staying safe and healthy throughout the year,” Jeff Ehnstrom, MD, Emergency Department Physician added. “As a reminder early detections and treatments are important for recovery. If you develop symptoms, please schedule an appointment to get it checked out.”