Protect
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Ticks live in wooded and brushy areas with high grass and leaf litter. Walk in the center of trails to avoid contact with host-seeking ticks.
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Take extra precautions in spring through fall when ticks are most active.
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Use an EPA-registered insect repellent on your skin.
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Consider treating clothing with permethrin, which kills ticks on contact and gives protection through several washes. Do not use permethrin on skin.
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Talk to your veterinarian about tick prevention products for pets.
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Wear pants, long sleeves and long socks. Light-colored clothing can help you spot ticks more easily.
Check
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Check clothing, gear, and pets before going inside.
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Put your clothes in the dryer on high heat for 10 minutes.
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Check your body and your child’s body: under arms, behind ears, around waist, between legs, etc. Using a mirror can help.
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Take a shower to wash off unattached ticks and to help find attached ticks more easily.
Remove
Remove the tick as soon as you can. Use fine-tipped tweezers, or a tick removal tool, and follow the steps below. Don't use petroleum jelly, a hot match, nail polish, or any other products to remove a tick. These methods don't work!

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With a steady motion, pull straight up until all parts of the tick are removed. Don't twist or jerk the tick. Don't be alarmed if the tick's mouthparts stay in the skin.
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Dispose of a live tick by putting it in alcohol, placing it in a sealed bag or container, wrapping it tightly in tape or flushing it down the toilet. Never crush a tick with your fingers.
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Clean your hands and the bite area with rubbing alcohol or soap and water.
You don't need to go to your health care provider or the emergency room to have a tick removed. If you have trouble removing the tick, or you can't reach it, ask a family member or friend to help.
Watch the right way to remove a tick from the New York State Department of Health