Ticks aren’t just annoying—they’re disease delivery machines. Lyme disease, babesiosis, ehrlichiosis, anaplasmosis, Powassan virus—these are no joke. Prevention is key, and early response is everything.

DRESS FOR TICK ARMOR, NOT FASHION WEEK

• Long sleeves and long pants – yes, even if it’s warm.
• Light-colored clothing – makes it easier to spot ticks.
• Tuck it all in – tuck pants into socks and shirts into pants.
• Duct tape trick – place tape (sticky side out) around pant cuffs. Ticks will get stuck before they climb.
• Wear a wide-brimmed hat – keeps ticks off your scalp and face (and blocks sun).

DIY NATURAL BUG REPELLENTS (No DEET, No Drama)

🌿 Tick-Repelling Essential Oil Spray Recipe:

• Base: 4 oz witch hazel or apple cider vinegar
• Carrier oil (optional): 1 tsp almond oil or coconut oil
• Essential oils:
  • 20 drops geranium
  • 20 drops cedarwood
  • 10 drops eucalyptus lemon (not regular eucalyptus)
  • 10 drops lavender
  • 10 drops tea tree
• Shake in a spray bottle. Apply every 1-2 hours on skin, clothing, shoes, hats, backpacks.

Bonus options: Add neem oil (2-3 drops) or catnip oil (strong tick deterrent).

STOP TICKS AT THE DOOR

• Strip before entering – change clothes in the mudroom, laundry room, or garage.
• Throw outdoor clothes in a hot dryer for 10-15 minutes – this kills ticks better than washing.
• Keep pets tick-free – check them head-to-tail every time they come indoors. Focus on ears, neck, armpits, and paws. Use natural tick repellents (see below).

NATURAL TICK REPELLENT FOR PETS (Topical)

Homemade Pet Spray (safe for dogs):

• 1 cup water
• 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
• 5 drops lavender
• 5 drops cedarwood
• 5 drops lemongrass
  Shake and spray lightly before walks (avoid eyes and mouth). Do not use essential oils on cats without vet approval.

🕷️ WHAT TO DO IF YOU FIND A TICK

Immediate Action:

1. Remove with fine-tipped tweezers – grab as close to skin as possible, pull straight out slow and steady.
2. Disinfect the area – use alcohol, iodine, or soap and water.
3. Save the tick – place in a sealed bag or jar with damp paper towel for testing. Label with the date and location on body.

WHERE TO SEND A TICK FOR TESTING

Test the tick, not just your luck. These services test for Lyme and co-infections:

• TickReport.com (UMass Amherst – highly reliable)
• Ticknology.org
• IGeneX (send tick or bloodwork later)
• Local public health departments – some offer free testing

WHAT ABOUT ANTIBIOTICS?

If you had a known bite and the tick was attached for 36+ hours, consider a short course of doxycycline to prevent Lyme.

🔹 Prophylactic Doxycycline Protocol (per CDC):

• Adult: 200 mg once
• Child ≥8 yrs: 4.4 mg/kg single dose

Must be given within 72 hours of tick removal.

If the bite is on the head, groin, or armpit, or the tick is engorged – the risk is higher.

SYMPTOMS TO TRACK POST-BITE

Keep a bite diary. Monitor symptoms for 30 days.

Watch for:

• Fever, chills, sweats
• Fatigue, brain fog
• Muscle or joint aches
• Neck stiffness
• Headaches
• Swollen lymph nodes
• Bullseye rash (erythema migrans) – hallmark of Lyme
• Dizziness, numbness, tingling
• Insomnia or mood changes

WHEN TO HEAD TO URGENT CARE OR ER

Don’t mess around—seek care if:

• Bullseye rash appears
• You have flu-like symptoms in summer (not normal)
• You get short of breath, chest pain, or a rapid heartbeat
• Facial drooping (Bell’s palsy-like symptom)
• Weakness in arms or legs
• High fever or confusion

Lifestyle Hacks for a Stronger Post-Bite Defense

• Up your antioxidants: Vitamin C, quercetin, glutathione
• Immune support: Astragalus, mushrooms (reishi, chaga), zinc
• Anti-inflammatory foods: turmeric, ginger, leafy greens
• Sleep: essential for your immune system to mount a defense
• Movement: promotes lymphatic flow to clear toxins

Final Words

Ticks are sneaky. You have to be sneakier and smarter. Prevention is power, and swift action is smart medicine. Create a tick kit. Teach your kids. Set up routines for pets and gear. And if you do get bit, document everything and act fast.