Tick and Lyme disease prevention tips

Ajouté : 2026-06-10

[00:00:00]Hi, I'm Ashley Gerra, a pediatric nurse practitioner in infectious diseases at Children's Minnesota. With the warmer months comes tick season and the best way to prevent tick-borne diseases like Lyme disease is to prevent tick bites.

[00:00:11]First, it is important to wear long socks, long pants, and long sleeves when you're going hiking, camping, or even walking in a wooded area. I know it's hot, but ticks don't actually fly or jump. They just wait for you to rub up against them. Second, consider treating your clothing and gear with permethrin.

[00:00:28]Permethrin is very cost-effective and it lasts for multiple washes. So, you only treat your clothing and gear, not your skin, and make sure not to use it for anything kids are going to be sucking or chewing on.

[00:00:38]Third, while participating in outdoor activities, consider using an insect repellent. 10 to 30% DEET works great and is safe for kids of all ages.

[00:00:47]Another great option for kids age 3 years old and up is oil of lemon eucalyptus. Keep in mind, this is not the same thing as lemon or eucalyptus essential oil.

[00:00:57]Finally, always do skin checks after coming in from outdoors, especially in these areas. If you find a tick, stay calm and remove it as soon as possible.

[00:01:06]Also, you can shower as soon as possible after coming in from outdoors. That way you can wash away any unattached ticks.

[00:01:13]And while you're doing that, throw your clothes in the dryer for about 10 minutes on high heat to kill any ticks.

[00:01:18]As always, please talk to your pediatrician if you have any questions about ticks or other insect bites.