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| Ticks live in bushland and can sometimes burrow under people's skin. |
To deter ticks, wear light-coloured clothing when out in the bush. Ticks will be much easier to see. Tuck trousers into socks and shirts into pants. Use an insect repellent containing DEET or picaridin on skin, shoes and socks.
Children and pets should be examined for ticks after visiting bushland areas.
When you get home, remove clothing and search carefully for ticks. Search especially behind the ears, the back of the head, neck, groin, armpits and back of the knees.
If bitten, you may see an itchy crater-like swelling on the skin around the tick.
Remove the tick with tweezers by grasping the head and rotating. Do not pull the tick by the body as this may make it release more toxin. Apply an antiseptic cream to the bite.
Seek medical advice if you experience muscle weakness, paralysis or feel generally unwell after a tick bite.
Links
NSW Health Brochure Tick Alert
Department of Medical Entomology website with a page devoted to ticks
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