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With the right precautions, there’s a lot you can do to prevent Lyme disease. Here’s what you need to know.
Know the Four Places Ticks Like to Hide
Dr. DeShaw stresses that a thorough daily check is key. Ticks, he said, particularly love to hide in these places: (1) behind the knees; (2) in the groin; (3) in the scalp; and (4) in the armpits. A tick should always be removed with tweezers. Grasp it as close to the skin as possible and pull out firmly and smoothly.
Use Repellents
DEET (on skin) and permethrin (on clothing) are the recommended repellents. Essential oils may have some repellent effect, but don’t rely on them, Dr. DeShaw said.
Assess Your Surroundings
If you live in an area where Lyme disease is prevalent, like Connecticut, you may want to treat your lawn or have it treated by a professional. Benjamin Asher, an ear, nose and throat specialist in Manhattan, emphasizes that spraying should be limited to natural options. “We should be respectful to the environment,” he said.
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Katy Noble, a pediatrician in Stamford, Conn., recommends making “a daily shower or bath at night your nightly ritual, and use that time as a means to check your family for ticks. You may wash off any before they’ve really had a chance to really dig in.”
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According to Dr. DeShaw, July and August are the peak months for Lyme disease. Don’t slouch on fall, though. He recommends staying vigilant through September and October.”
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https://www.nytimes.com/2018/07/18/style/ticks-lyme-disease-summer.html