Tick-Safe Explorers

We learn calm tick-safe habits because a small number of ticks can carry germs that may make people unwell, including the germs that cause Lyme disease. Most tick bites do not cause illness. A grown-up can help prevent bites, find and remove a tick correctly, and get health advice if someone becomes unwell.

A tick is a tiny arachnid, related to spiders and mites. It is not an insect. A nymph or adult tick has eight legs. Ticks do not have wings and do not fly or jump.

The picture is enlarged so the body, mouthparts and legs are easier to see.

Ticks begin as eggs. A larva has six legs. Later, a nymph has eight legs. An adult also has eight legs. Young ticks can be extremely small and easy to miss.

Pictures help us learn, but real ticks may look different by species, stage and whether they have fed.

Ticks may be found around grassy, leafy, brushy and wooded places, including some parks and gardens. They wait on low plants or move on an animal.

A person may make contact by brushing vegetation. Seeing long grass does not mean a tick will definitely be there.

Outdoor play is healthy and fun. Small habits can help: use a clear path where practical, avoid unnecessary brushing against dense plants, wear suitable covering clothing and follow a trusted adult’s guidance.

Several habits together work better than depending on one thing.

After outdoor activity, check clothing and skin by looking carefully and gently feeling. Include behind knees, waistbands, under arms, neck, hairline and hair. Ask a trusted adult to help.

A check matters even when nobody felt a bite because ticks can be tiny and attachment may not hurt.

If you find something attached to your skin, stop and tell a trusted adult promptly. Do not pull it with your fingers, burn it or cover it with a substance.

An adult can follow current guidance, arrange correct removal, clean afterward and check for other ticks. Concerning symptoms later should also be shared with an adult.