Ticks bites: When to go to the doctor

Mosquito and tick bites can happen anywhere, even in your own backyard.

Tick bites can give you serious and even deadly diseases. Many of these diseases can be treated when caught early, so talk to your doctor right away if you think a tick bite made you sick. Not all ticks have diseases so a tick bite doesn’t always mean you will get sick.

When are ticks most active?

Ticks are most active during warmer months (April-September).

Ticks climb tall grasses or shrubs and wait for a host. They can’t jump or fly. A host could be any of the following:

  • Human

  • Pets (dog, cat, etc.)

  • Mice

  • Deer

  • Birds

  • Reptiles or amphibians

  • Other mammals

When a tick attaches itself to the host, it feeds and spreads the infection.

How should I remove a tick?

Remove a tick as soon as possible with sharp pointed tweezers.

  • Grasp the tick at the point where it is embedded into the skin.

  • Don’t squeeze or crush the tick, pull it carefully and steadily.

If I am bit by a tick, when should I go to a doctor?

In general, you should consider seeing a doctor whenever you have:

  • Rash

  • Sudden high fever

  • Severe headache

  • Muscle or joint aches

  • Nausea

  • Vomiting (throwing up)

  • Diarrhea

What can I do to prevent ticks?

  • Use EPA-registered insect repellent

    • DEET

    • Picaridin

    • IR3535

    • Oil of Lemon Eucalyptus (OLE)

    • Para-menthane-diol (PMD)

    • 2-undecanone

  • Avoid tall grass and shrubs (where ticks like to hang out)

  • Wear light-colored clothing so you can see ticks more easily. Tuck shirts into pants and pants into socks.

  • Check yourself for ticks after spending time outside

  • Tick-proof your yard

    • Clear brush and leaves where ticks live

    • Keep woodpiles in sunny areas

    • Use a yard spray to kill and repel ticks

  • Treat your clothes and gear with permethrin 

Other important information

Ticks can also be brought inside by pets! It is important to check them before they come into the house after being outside. Also, make sure they are up to date with yearly tick prevention.

Sarah Valenza