06/05/2026
Important PSA!
We’re not on TickTok, but we’re here to talk ticks.
While they may not seem as intimidating as a charging bear or bison, ticks are among the most common safety concerns for hikers in parks. These tiny hitchhikers can carry diseases, so it's important to protect yourself before, during, and after your adventure.
Ticks are clingy. Set boundaries. Plan ahead by using insect repellent and wearing long sleeves and long pants whenever possible. Don't give ticks a lift. Stay on trails and avoid brushing against tall grass, shrubs, and logs where ticks like to wait for a passing host.
After spending time outdoors, check yourself, your children, and your pets for ticks, and shower as soon as possible. Tumble-dry clothes on high heat for 10 minutes or wash them in hot water. If you find a tick on you, remove it promptly. Use fine-tipped tweezers to grasp the tick close to the skin and pull upward with steady pressure. If you develop a fever, rash, or other symptoms after a tick bite, contact your healthcare provider.
Learn more at: https://www.nps.gov/articles/000/ticks-and-tickborne-diseases.htm
Thank you for coming to our tick talk.
Image: Closeup of a female Deer Tick/NPS
