Tick Bite Prevention Guide
Protect Yourself from Ticks
Simple steps before, during, and after outdoor time can lower your risk all year long in North Carolina.
Before
Before You Go Outside
A few minutes of prep can protect you all day.
Wear the right clothing
Wear long sleeves and long pants. Tuck your pants into your socks. Light colors make ticks easier to spot.
Use an EPA-approved repellent
Use DEET, picaridin, or IR3535 on exposed skin. For clothing, use permethrin spray.
Plan your path
Stay on trails and avoid tall grass, brush piles, and leaf litter when possible.
During
While You Are Outside
Stay aware and check often.
Stay on the trail
Walk in the center of paths. Avoid brushing against plants on the sides.
Check for ticks often
Every hour or so, do a quick check of your arms, legs, and neck.
Keep pets treated
Use a vet-approved tick prevention product on your dogs and cats before any outdoor trip.
After
When You Come Back Inside
Most important step. Do not skip it.
Do a full body check
Within 2 hours of coming inside. Check hair, behind ears, armpits, groin, and behind the knees.
Shower within 2 hours
Showering can wash away unattached ticks. It also gives you a chance to do a full check.
Check your gear and pets
Ticks can ride in on clothing, backpacks, and pet fur. Tumble dry clothes on high heat for 10 minutes.
Protect Your Pets Too
Pets can bring ticks into your home. Use a vet-approved tick prevention product and check your pet after every outdoor trip.
Ask Your Vet About Tick Prevention
Use a product that is right for your pet.
Check Fur After Walks
Run your fingers through the fur after outdoor time.
Pay close attention to ears, neck and between toes
Ticks often hide in warm, hard-to-see places.
Remove Ticks From Pets The Same as a Person
Use fine-tipped tweezers and pull straight out.
Prevention Questions
Answers to help you stay protected all year.
Does DEET work on ticks?
Yes. DEET is one of the most effective repellents for ticks. Apply it to exposed skin and clothing, and follow the label directions.
Is permethrin safe?
Permethrin is safe for clothing and gear when used as directed. Do not apply it directly to your skin.
Can ticks fall from trees?
Usually no. Ticks usually wait on grass, brush, and low plants. They grab onto people or animals when they brush past.
Are ticks active in winter in NC?
Yes. Ticks can stay active during mild North Carolina winters, especially on warmer days.
What should I do with clothes after hiking?
Put clothes in the dryer on high heat for at least 10 minutes to kill ticks. Wash them afterward if needed.
Need The Next Step?
Already Been Bitten?
Use our bite guide to know what to do right now, or identify the tick to learn what to watch for next.
Immediate Help
Tick Bite Guide
Learn what to do right away after finding a tick on your skin.
Tick Identification
Identify the Tick
Compare common ticks in North Carolina and learn what to watch for.