Every parent wants their kids to spend time outside- it’s one of the healthiest and most rewarding parts of childhood. But outdoor play does come with risks, including exposure to ticks. These tiny parasites can carry Lyme disease and other illnesses that no parent wants their child to face.
The good news is that you don’t have to keep your kids indoors to keep them safe. With a few simple precautions, you can let them enjoy the outdoors while greatly reducing the risk of tick bites and tick-borne diseases.
1. Dress for Tick Safety
Clothing is one of the easiest and most effective defenses against ticks. Covering up reduces the amount of exposed skin where ticks can bite, and choosing light-colored fabrics makes it easier to spot ticks before they attach.
- Long sleeved tops
- Long pants
- Long socks with the pant leg tucked into them
- Close-toed shoes
2. Stick to Safe Play Zones
Ticks thrive in shady, humid environments, so be sure to avoid tall grass, brush, and wooded edges. A few simple choices about where to play can greatly reduce the chances of picking up a tick.
- Encourage play in mowed lawns, playgrounds, or open areas
- Keep kids out of leaf piles and brushy patches.
- Make sure they use established trails instead of running through tall grass
3. Keep the Yard Tick-Safe
Don’t let your yard become a paradise for ticks! Regular lawn care and a few simple changes to your outdoor space can go a long way in keeping ticks at bay.
- Mow your grass regularly
- Clear away lawn debris like leaf litter, brush, and weeds
- Move play equipment and outdoor furniture to sunny, open areas
- Stack woodpiles away from play areas
- Create a wood chip or gravel barrier between your lawn and wooded areas
Want more ideas? Check out our full guide.
4. Do Daily Tick Checks
Even with precautions, kids can still pick up ticks while playing outside. Ticks must usually be attached for 18–24 hours before they can transmit Lyme disease, so catching them early makes all the difference. Make tick checks a daily routine- after outdoor play, bath time, or before bed. For younger children, parents should do the checks; older kids can be taught how to check themselves.
Ticks prefer warm, hidden spots on the body. Be sure to check the whole body carefully, especially:
- Scalp & hairline
- In the hair
- Behind and around the ears
- Armpits
- Behind knees
- Under the waistband
- Between the legs
Don’t forget about your pets- dogs and cats can also bring ticks indoors, so checking them regularly is just as important. They can also catch Lyme disease too!
5. Be Prepared With the Right Tools
If you find a tick on your child, don’t panic. The key is removing it quickly and safely. Don’t burn the tick, remove it with your fingers, or cover the tick with Vaseline or nail polish remover. This can increase the likelihood of Lyme disease transmission.
While a good tick remover tool is never a bad idea, a standard pair of bathroom tweezers will work just fine to remove most ticks:
- Grasp the tick as close as possible to the mouthparts, where it is attached to the skin
- Pull straight out with even, firm pressure- don’t twist or jerk
- Safely dispose of the tick (flush, submerge in alcohol, place in sealed container, etc)
- Clean the bite site with soap and water or and alcohol swab
If the tick’s head or mouthparts break off and remain in the skin, don’t panic. These parts cannot transmit disease, and in most cases the body will naturally push them out over time, much like a splinter. Afterward, keep an eye out for symptoms of Lyme disease or other tick borne illnesses over the next few weeks.
Final Thoughts
Ticks are a reality of outdoor life, but they don’t have to stop your kids from exploring and having fun. By dressing smart, sticking to safe play areas, and checking daily for ticks, you can greatly reduce the risk of tick-borne diseases.
Worried About a Recent Tick Bite?
If you’ve removed a tick and want peace of mind, TickCheck offers fast and reliable tick testing services. Simply send the tick to our lab, and we’ll identify the species and test it for Lyme disease and other common pathogens. Knowing whether a tick was carrying disease can help you and your doctor make informed decisions about next steps.