How to properly look for ticks? - briefly
Inspect exposed skin, clothing seams, and hair shafts with a fine‑toothed comb or tick‑removal tweezers after outdoor exposure, working in good light and moving slowly. Remove any attached arthropod using steady pressure, then clean the bite site with antiseptic.
How to properly look for ticks? - in detail
When searching for ticks, begin with preparation. Wear long sleeves, long trousers, and tuck pant legs into socks or boots. Apply a repellent containing DEET, picaridin, or permethrin to clothing and exposed skin. Carry a fine‑toothed tick removal tool and a small container with alcohol for immediate preservation.
Inspect the body methodically. Start at the head and move downward, checking each area for at least 30 seconds. Pay special attention to hidden zones: scalp, behind ears, under arms, groin, behind knees, and between toes. Use a hand‑held mirror or ask a companion to examine hard‑to‑see spots. Separate hair from the scalp with fingers or a comb to reveal attached arthropods.
If a tick is found, grasp it as close to the skin as possible with tweezers or the removal tool. Pull upward with steady, even pressure; avoid twisting or crushing the body. After removal, place the specimen in the alcohol container for identification and documentation. Clean the bite site with antiseptic and monitor for symptoms over the next weeks.
Repeat the inspection after any outdoor activity in tick‑infested areas, and again the following morning, since ticks may attach during sleep. Conduct a thorough sweep of clothing, gear, and pets, shaking out fabrics and using a lint roller on upholstery. Wash clothing in hot water and dry on high heat to kill any unnoticed ticks.
Maintain a log of locations, dates, and tick counts to assess exposure risk. Consult a healthcare professional promptly if a rash, fever, or flu‑like symptoms develop after a bite. This systematic approach reduces the likelihood of missed ticks and limits disease transmission.