Tick Information
What are Ticks?
Ticks are very small insects that are usually found in the woods or tall grassy areas outside. There are 800 different species and some carry Lyme disease. Lyme disease is not curable but can be controlled with medicine from doctor. Please be careful.
Check Yourself for Ticks
Coming in from being outside after a hike or if you feel like you were in fields where the ground or trees were brushing against you, always do a full body check for ticks. Run your hands along your legs and arms and body to feel for any bumps. Ticks sometimes attach to clothes so you may even see one. They are very small so you will need to look closely and check thoroughly.
There is a Tick On You, but You are Not Bitten
Use tweezers to remove the tick. Place the tick in a plastic bag or container. This will make sure the tick is contained and not roaming around. You can also flush the tick down the toilet.
What You can do if You are Bitten by a Tick
Helpful if someone assists you. Use tweezers to firmly but gently pull the tick off you. Be careful and make sure the head does not detach and stay on you. You can be infected if the head stays and bites you. Once you have made sure the tick is out, clean the area with alcohol wipes and call a doctor. Keep the tick so the doctor can help verify what type of tick it is.
Signs & Symptoms if You are Bitten
If you do have a bite and did not notice it (most people do not know because you do not feel anything if a tick bites you), there will be a red ring around the bite area and it will start to look like a bulls eye. A rash can occur as well around the affected area.
What to Wear to Prevent Contact with Ticks
- Long socks to cover ankles and some of calves
- Jacket or coat to cover skin
- Try to cover as much of your body as possible when going out to explore
- Body check when finished outdoors
This information is to not scare you from going out and exploring. There are ways to prevent this issue by wearing the proper gear before going out and doing a check when you get back home. Enjoy the outdoors and see what Acadia National Park has to offer you.
