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Tick Safety for Campers

Can You Get Sick from a Tick?

Most of the time, no. But ticks can also carry diseases … like Lyme disease and Rocky Mountain spotted fever. Lyme disease starts off with a ‘bull’s-eye rash.” You might also have fever and aches. If you get a bull’s-eye rash, you should tell a responsible person so they can take you to a doctor.

Rocky Mountain spotted fever and some other diseases carried by ticks start off with fever and headache. You might also get a rash.  If you don’t feel well, you should tell a responsible person so they can take you to a doctor.

How Do I Keep Safe from Ticks?

It is no fun being sick from a tick, so it is better to keep them from biting. Here’s what to do at summer camp:

  • Ticks like to live in woods with piles of leaves and shade. They also like weeds and tall grass.  If you go into these areas with woods or weeds:
    • If you can, stay on the trail.
    • Wear a long-sleeved shirt and pants. You can even tuck your pants into your socks to keep tick away.
    • Use bug spray with 20% DEET on bare skin, particularly near the bottom of the pant legs and the ends of sleeves. Read the directions on the bug spray. Follow the directions.
    • After you have been in the woods or in weeds, check for ticks. Ask a friend to help.
    • Take a shower after hiking to help get rid of ticks.
  • If you find a tick stuck in your skin, ask another person to help you remove the tick:
    • Ticks should be removed with a pair of fine tipped tweezers.
    • With the tweezers, grab the tick firmly and as close to the skin as possible.
    • Pull the tick steadily and gradually away from the skin.
    • Clean the tick bite site with soap and warm water.

Want to Learn More?

Centers For Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)

Ticks and Disease Information   Podcast for Kids