Tick season in Australia can pose a threat to your family's health, but with proper precautions, you can protect yourself and your loved ones. Ticks are small insects that can transmit diseases such as Lyme disease, babesiosis, and ehrlichiosis. Here are some steps you can take to minimize the risk:

1. Wear Protective Clothing

When venturing into tick-prone areas like forests or grassy fields, it's crucial to cover up. Wear long sleeves, long pants, and closed-toe shoes. Tucking your pants into your socks can prevent ticks from crawling up your legs.

2. Use Insect Repellent

Apply EPA-approved insect repellents on exposed skin and clothing. Look for products containing DEET, picaridin, or IR3535. Follow the instructions on the label for proper application. Remember to reapply the repellent as directed.

3. Perform Regular Tick Checks

After spending time outdoors, thoroughly check yourself, your children, and your pets for ticks. Pay close attention to areas like the scalp, behind the ears, under the arms, and around the waistline. If you find a tick, use fine-tipped tweezers to grasp it as close to the skin as possible and pull it out gently but firmly.

4. Create Tick-Safe Zones

Make your outdoor living spaces less attractive to ticks. Keep your grass trimmed short, remove leaf litter, and create a barrier between wooded areas and your yard with gravel or wood chips. This can help reduce the tick population in your immediate surroundings.

5. Protect Your Pets

Ticks can also infect your pets with diseases, so it's essential to protect them too. Consult with your veterinarian about tick prevention products such as collars, spot-on treatments, or oral medications. Regularly check your pets for ticks, especially after they've been outside.

Remember, if you experience symptoms like fever, fatigue, muscle aches, or a rash after a tick bite, seek medical attention promptly. Early detection and treatment of tick-borne diseases are crucial for a full recovery.

For more information on tick prevention and diseases, you can visit reputable sources such as:

• healthdirect.gov.au
• tickalert.org.au
• cdc.gov

By following these guidelines and staying informed, you can enjoy the outdoors while keeping your family safe from tick-borne illnesses.