Bug-Related Illnesses

  1. Ticks
  2. Mosquitoes
  3. Bed Bugs
  4. Head Lice
  5. Kissing Bugs

Avoiding tick bites:

  • Treat clothing with products containing 0.5% permethrin, and use EPA-registered insect repellents containing DEET, picaridin, IR3535, Oil of Lemon Eucalyptus (OLE), para-menthane-diol (PMD), or 2-undecanone.
    • Do not use insect repellent on infants under 2 months old.
    • Do not use OLE or PMD on children under 3 years old.
    • Use the EPA’s search tool to find the right repellent for you.
  • Avoid contact with ticks by avoiding wooded or brushy areas with high grass.
  • Check clothing, skin, gear, and pets for ticks once indoors.

Removing ticks:

  • Use tweezers to grab the tick as close to your skin as possible.
  • Pull upward evenly, without twisting or jerking the tick.
  • Thoroughly clean the bite area and your hands.
  • Dispose of the tick by flushing it down the toilet or placing it in a sealed bag or container and throwing it away.