Staff Report / FLXlocal.org

**It’s Open Season on Ticks: Protect Yourself from Tickborne Disease This Hunting Season**

As hunting season approaches, the Cayuga County Health Department emphasizes the importance of taking precautions against ticks. Ticks, which can be found in grassy and wooded areas, feed on the blood of animals such as rodents, rabbits, deer, and birds, and they can also bite people.

To reduce the chances of being bitten by ticks while hunting, the health department suggests the following measures:

- Treat clothing and gear with 0.5% permethrin prior to hunting, following product instructions carefully.

- Tuck pants into socks or boots to create an extra barrier against ticks.

Ticks can carry germs that lead to diseases including Lyme disease, ehrlichiosis, Rocky Mountain spotted fever, and tularemia. To minimize the risk of tickborne illness, it is vital to conduct regular tick checks and promptly remove any ticks found on the body.

Here are additional recommendations to stay safe:

- Shower after returning from outdoor activities.

- Perform thorough tick checks after spending time in areas known for ticks.

- Use tweezers to remove any ticks immediately.

- Contact a healthcare provider if feeling ill or developing a fever or rash after being in tick habitats. Inform them if you recall being bitten by a tick.

Areas of the body that should be checked for ticks include:

- In and around the hair

- In and around the ears

- Under the arms

- Around the waist

- Inside the belly button

- Between the legs

- Back of the knees

Moreover, the CDC suggests using an EPA-registered insect repellent and wearing protective clothing, such as long-sleeved shirts and long pants. After hunting activities, individuals should check their entire body for ticks and ensure that pets are also checked.

For more information on preventing tick bites, visit the CDC's official website at [CDC Tick Prevention](https://www.cdc.gov/ticks/prevention/index.html).

Source: Cayuga County Health

Source Type: Community

Source Location: Cayuga County

Rocky Mount, NC

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