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If you live, work or spend time in a place where there are ticks, there are many things you can do to prevent tick bites.

• Avoid areas where deer are most common.
• Avoid high grass and vegetation.
• Wear long-sleeved tops and long pants tucked into your socks if you go into areas that may be infected with ticks.¹
• Wear light-colored clothing. This makes it easier to find and remove ticks.
• Spray your clothes with an insect repellent or a chemical called permethrin.^{1 2}
• If you have been in an area where there are ticks, brush off and wash (if possible) your clothes as soon as you can. This prevents ticks being brought into the house.^{3 4}
• Check your body for ticks every day. Pay close attention to skin folds and hairy areas of your body.²
• Check children carefully for ticks. Make sure to check their hair. Young children have a higher risk of getting bites on the head and neck area.
• If you have any pets, then check their fur for ticks. This protects them from infection and prevents ticks being brought into the house.

If you find a biting tick, remove it straight away. For more information, see How to remove ticks.

This information is for educational use only, and is not a substitute for prompt professional medical advice. Readers should always consult a physician or other professional for advice and treatment. ©BMJ Publishing Group Limited 2008. All rights reserved.