The surest way to prevent Lyme

or other tick-borne diseases is to avoid being bitten by ticks. In Minnesota, the highest risk is in the southeast, east central and north central areas of the state. But ticks are found across the state, in grassy fields, brush-filled wooded landscapes and places where residential neighborhoods meet the forest edge. If you work or recreate in these environments, take special precautions against attracting ticks to yourself or your loved ones.

For humans:

• Spray clothing and camping gear with permethrin several days before your outing to kill ticks
• Coat skin with at least 30% DEET repellant. Picaridin is an alternative to DEET. It has less ordor and doesn’t damage certain fabrics like DEET.
• Tuck shirts into pants, pant legs into socks, etc, to inhibit tick movement
• Buggspray, a Minnesota company, makes a product for both skin and clothing.
  

For dogs:

• Vaccinate annually for Lyme disease – contracting Lyme disease doesn’t make them immune
• Apply a topical vet-recommended tick prevention
• Use a Scalibor collar as an alternative to topical protection

For both:

• Make tick checks a habit after outdoor activity. The sooner ticks are found and removed, the less chance you and your family have of getting infected.
• Tick removal is easy! Go here for details.
• Landscape to discourage ticks from hanging around your yard. The Tick Management Handbook describes several steps (begins on page 40).
  



Printable Materials

MLA Brochure

Lyme in Minnesota

Lyme Disease Prevention

Protect Yourself

Tick Bite Packet

Treat the Bite!

Go to Research Archives for peer-reviewed papers on antibiotic treatment of Lyme disease