What to take against ticks? - briefly
Apply an EPA‑approved repellent—DEET (20‑30 %), picaridin, or IR3535—to exposed skin. Treat clothing and gear with permethrin (0.5 %) and inspect the body carefully after outdoor exposure.
What to take against ticks? - in detail
Ticks pose a health risk that can be mitigated through a combination of personal protection, chemical prevention, and environmental management.
Personal protection relies on applying topical repellents to exposed skin and treating clothing. Effective active ingredients include:
- DEET (20‑30 % concentration) applied to skin, re‑applied every 4 hours.
- Picaridin (20 % concentration) offering comparable protection with lower odor.
- IR3535 (10‑20 % concentration) suitable for sensitive skin.
- Permethrin (0.5 % concentration) applied to clothing, boots, and hats; remains effective after several washes.
Clothing should be light‑colored, tightly woven, and fully cover the body. Wearing long sleeves, long trousers, and tucking pants into socks reduces attachment sites.
For post‑exposure, perform a thorough tick inspection within 24 hours. Remove attached ticks with fine‑point tweezers, grasping close to the skin, pulling steadily without twisting. Clean the bite area with alcohol or soap and water.
Pharmacologic prophylaxis may be indicated after high‑risk exposure. A single 200 mg dose of doxycycline within 72 hours of a confirmed bite can prevent Lyme disease in endemic regions, provided no contraindications exist.
Pet protection involves regular application of acaricidal products:
- Spot‑on formulations containing fipronil or selamectin, applied monthly.
- Oral isoxazoline tablets (e.g., afoxolaner, fluralaner) administered according to weight‑based dosing schedules.
- Tick‑preventive collars containing amitraz or flumethrin, replaced annually.
Environmental control reduces tick populations around dwellings. Recommended actions:
- Keep grass trimmed to a maximum of 5 cm.
- Remove leaf litter, brush, and tall shrubs where ticks quest.
- Apply EPA‑registered acaricides to perimeter zones, following label instructions and re‑treating at recommended intervals.
- Install fencing to limit wildlife access, which can transport ticks.
Combining these measures—repellents, protective clothing, prompt tick removal, prophylactic antibiotics when appropriate, pet treatments, and habitat management—provides comprehensive defense against tick‑borne threats.