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How to avoid Lone Star tick bites

What to do before and after hiking, camping, hunting, golfing or yard work. Print it and take it with you.

Lone Star Tick Prevention Guide · LoneStarMap.com · Educational only, not medical advice.

Every time you go out

  1. Use EPA-registered repellentApply an EPA-registered repellent (DEET, picaridin, or oil of lemon eucalyptus) to exposed skin before going outside.
  2. Treat clothing and gear with permethrinTreat clothing, shoes, and gear with permethrin, or buy pre-treated items, for added protection.
  3. Avoid tall grass and brushStay on cleared trails and avoid tall grass, brush, and leaf litter where ticks wait for a host.
  4. Cover up in high-risk areasWear long sleeves and tuck pants into socks in brushy or wooded areas.
  5. Shower and check for ticksShower within two hours of coming inside and do a thorough tick check on yourself, children, and pets.
  6. Remove attached ticks promptlyRemove any attached tick right away with fine-tipped tweezers, pulling straight up with steady pressure.

For families

  • Use EPA-registered insect repellents appropriate for each age.
  • Dress kids in long sleeves and tucked pants on wooded trails.
  • Do tick checks after every outdoor outing, including behind ears and along the hairline.
  • Shower within two hours of coming inside.

For pets

  • Talk to your veterinarian about tick prevention products.
  • Check pets thoroughly after outdoor time: ears, neck, paws, belly.
  • Wipe down dogs after walks in tall grass or wooded areas.
  • Keep grooming areas clean and inspect bedding regularly.

For yards

  • Keep grass mowed and remove leaf litter at the lawn edge.
  • Create a wood-chip or gravel border between lawn and wooded areas.
  • Discourage deer and small rodents that can carry ticks.
  • Consider tick-control products labeled for residential use.

For hikers & campers

  • Treat clothing and gear with permethrin before trips.
  • Stay in the center of trails; avoid brushing tall grass.
  • Inspect gear, tents, and packs before bringing them inside.
  • Do a full body tick check at the end of each day.

For hunters

  • Wear permethrin-treated clothing in the field.
  • Field-dress with gloves and check yourself frequently.
  • Shower and change clothes promptly after returning.
  • Tumble-dry hunting clothes on high heat to kill any ticks.

For golfers

  • Apply EPA-registered repellent on exposed skin and treat shoes/socks.
  • Avoid searching for balls in tall rough whenever possible.
  • Brush off your clothing and shoes before getting in the car.
  • Do a quick tick check before heading home.

For travelers

  • Research tick activity for your destination.
  • Pack repellent and permethrin-treated layers.
  • Inspect rental gear and accommodations.
  • Continue tick checks during and after your trip.

None of these steps replace medical guidance. They are practical things to do before and after going outdoors. If you find a tick attached, see what to do after a bite. Read our sources and disclaimer.