Protect Your Kids from Ticks and Bug Bites This Summer

Make Tick Checks a Daily Habit

After any outdoor play whether it's a hike, a backyard barbecue, or an afternoon at the park, take a few minutes to do a thorough tick check on your child. Ticks are experts at finding warm, hidden spots on the body, so be sure to check:


  • The scalp and hairline
  • Behind and inside the ears
  • Under the arms
  • Behind the knees
  • Around the waistband and groin area
  • Between the toes


Don't forget to check yourself, other family members, and even pets who spent time outside, since ticks can hitch a ride indoors.

Choose the Right Repellent

Insect repellent is one of the best tools for preventing bites in the first place. Look for products specifically labeled as safe for your child's age group, and always check the concentration of active ingredients on the label. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends avoiding repellents on infants under 2 months old and using the lowest effective concentration for older children. Apply repellent to exposed skin and clothing, avoiding the hands, eyes, and mouth.

What to Do If You Find a Tick

If you do discover a tick, don't panic, prompt removal significantly lowers the risk of disease transmission. Here's how to do it safely:


  • Use fine-tipped tweezers and grasp the tick as close to the skin's surface as possible.
  • Pull upward with steady, even pressure and avoid twisting or jerking, which can cause the mouthparts to break off and remain in the skin.
  • Clean the bite area and your hands thoroughly with rubbing alcohol or soap and water.
  • Dispose of the tick by flushing it, submerging it in alcohol, or sealing it in tape.


Keep an eye on the bite site over the following weeks. If you notice a rash (especially one that looks like a bullseye), fever, fatigue, or joint pain, contact your child's pediatrician right away, as these can be early signs of a tick-borne illness.


A little prevention goes a long way and a few extra minutes checking for ticks and applying repellent can help keep your family's outdoor fun safe and worry-free.

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