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Ticks are generally found near the ground, in brushy or wooded areas. They can’t jump or fly. Instead, they climb tall grasses or shrubs and wait for a potential host to brush against them. When this happens, they climb onto the host and seek a site for attachment.
Ticks can be infected with bacteria, viruses, or parasites.
Tick-Borne Illnesses A-Z
Did you know?
Free tick identification and testing is available for DOD beneficiaries. If you find a tick on yourself or a family member, submit your tick to MilTICK for testing.
Find out how!
Prevention
To prevent tick bites, it is recommended that you:
- Treat clothing and gear with insect repellant containing DEET, picaridin, IR3535, oil of lemon eucalyptus, para-menthane-diol, or 2-undercanone.
- Treat family pets for ticks as recommended by a veterinarian.
- Check for ticks daily, especially if you've been in a wooded or brushy area.
- Shower soon after being outdoors.
Safe Tick Removal
- Grasp the tick as close to skins surface as possible.
- Pull upward with steady, even pressure. Don't twist or jerk!
- After removing, clean the area thoroughly with rubbing alcohol, an iodine scrub, or soap and water.
- If you're a DOD beneficiary, submit the tick to MilTICK for free identification and testing.
For additional information, please visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Download and enjoy these fact sheets Defense Centers for Public Health-Aberdeen. MilTICK is a free testing and identification service available for DOD beneficiaries. Learn how to protect you and your family from tick-borne illnesses.
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Video
May 23, 2023
Warm weather means more outdoor time and more ticks. Learn what simple steps you can take to protect yourself from ticks while you're outside and when you get home. Visit www.health.mil/bugs for more information.
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Last Updated: July 11, 2023