10 Best Ways to Prevent Ticks

This content was reviewed and approved by Dr. Daniel Todd Culy, MD.

Ticks may be small, but the health risks they carry—such as Lyme disease, Rocky Mountain spotted fever and other tick-borne illnesses—are anything but minor. Whether you’re hiking in the woods, working in the yard or enjoying your backyard, ticks can be present almost anywhere grass, brush or leaf litter is found. These ten strategies can help you reduce your risk and keep your time outdoors safe.

1. Avoid Tick Habitats

When possible, stay out of tall grasses, brush and leaf-strewn wooded areas. Walk in the center of trails to minimize contact with vegetation where ticks hide. If you must venture into tick-prone areas, move quickly and avoid sitting on the ground or leaning against logs and tree stumps.

2. Apply EPA-Approved Insect Repellent

Use a repellent approved by the EPA that contains DEET, picaridin, IR3535, oil of lemon eucalyptus or PMD on exposed skin. Apply just enough repellent to cover skin not protected by clothing, and reapply as directed on the product label. Avoid spraying directly on your face—spray on your hands first and then apply around your eyes, mouth and ears.

3. Treat Clothing and Gear With Permethrin

Treat clothing, shoes, camping gear and tents with a 0.5% permethrin spray or purchase pretreated items. Permethrin binds to fabric fibers and kills ticks on contact, remaining active through several washes. Always treat and let items dry for 24–48 hours before wearing or packing to ensure maximum effectiveness.

4. Wear Protective Clothing

Cover up with long-sleeved shirts, long pants and closed-toe shoes to create a physical barrier. Tuck pant legs into socks or boots and wear light-colored clothing to make it easier to spot ticks. Consider treating clothing with permethrin for added protection, especially in high-risk areas.

5. Shower Within Two Hours of Being Outdoors

A quick shower washes off unattached ticks before they can bite and gives you a chance to perform a thorough full-body check. Showering with warm water and soap can further reduce the chance of disease transmission if a tick has just attached.

6. Conduct Full-Body Tick Checks

Inspect your entire body after outdoor activities—underarms, behind ears and knees, inside the belly button, scalp, waistline and feet. Use a hand mirror or enlist help to check hard-to-see spots thoroughly. Also check pets and gear, since ticks can hitch a ride and transfer later.

7. Tumble-Dry Clothes on High Heat

Place your outdoor clothing in the dryer on high for at least 10 minutes to kill any ticks clinging to fabric. If clothes are damp, add extra time to reach the proper temperature. Washing clothes in hot water before drying can help, but the heat from the dryer is the critical step for killing ticks.

8. Maintain Tick-Safe Landscaping

Keep lawns mowed and remove leaf litter, brush and tall grasses from around the yard. Create a three-foot barrier of wood chips or gravel between wooded areas and recreational spaces to discourage tick migration. Consider deer fencing or rodent control methods to further reduce tick hosts on your property.

9. Use Targeted Pesticide Treatments

If ticks are a recurring problem, apply a yard-safe pesticide labeled for tick control. Follow all label directions carefully, treating perimeter areas and rodent habitats where ticks are most active. Consult local extension services or public health guidelines to choose the most effective and environmentally responsible products.

10. Remove Attached Ticks Promptly and Properly

If you find a tick attached, use fine-tipped tweezers to grasp it as close to the skin’s surface as possible. Pull upward with steady, even pressure—do not twist or jerk the tick, which can leave mouthparts embedded. After tick removal, clean the bite area and your hands with soap and water or rubbing alcohol, and dispose of the tick safely by submerging it in alcohol.

By adopting these prevention habits before, during and after outdoor activities, you can lower your risk of tick-borne illnesses and continue to enjoy the outdoors with confidence.

Learn more about ticks and tick-borne illnesses by contacting your Baptist Health primary care provider. If you don't have one, you can find a provider using our online directory.

Next Steps and Helpful Resources

Learn More About Primary Care at Baptist Health
Quiz: Do You Know How to Protect Yourself from Ticks?
Symptoms of Lyme Disease
What You Need to Know About Chigger Bites