A Message from the Leicester Regional Public Health Coalition (LRPHC):
Protect Yourself From Tick Bites
Most common ticks in MA
- Black-legged tick (deer tick)
- American dog tick (wood tick)
- Lone star tick
Tick Kits
- Free tick kits available at Leicester Town Hall
- Includes:
- Tick Tweezers (x1)
- Magnifying Glass (x1)
- Tick Removal Guide (x1)
- Bandages (x2)
- Alcohol Pads (x2)
- Specimen Bags (x2)
Alpha-gal Syndrome (AKA “Red Meat Allergy”)
- Spread by the bite of infected lone star tick
- Causes allergic reaction triggered by mammalian meats and animal by-products
- Other symptoms include itching/hives, dizziness, facial swelling, among others
Outdoors
- Use Tick Repellant
- When walking/hiking, take well-used, main routes, and walk down center of paths
- Weather permitting, wear long-sleeved shirts and long pants tucked into socks
- Keep lawn grass short
- Remove leaves and brush accumulation around property
- Thorough tick checks on yourself/loved ones daily!!!
Tick Repellents
- Choose repellents with the following active ingredients
- DEET (10-30% DEET for ages 2 months and older)
- Permethrin
- Picaridin
- Oil of Lemon Eucalyptus
How to Safety Remove a Tick
- Gently pull back any hair from around the bite site. Using fine point tweezers, grasp tick as close to the head as possible. DO NOT GRASP BY THE BODY.
- Pull the tick straight outward until the head is removed. Do not twist, turn, or wiggle.
- Dispose of the tick in toilet or in closed trash can, wrapped in tissue.
- Clean the area with soap and water or rubbing alcohol
- Keep and eye out for
- Fever
- Headache or Body Aches
- Fatigue
- Rash or Red Ring
For more info/to receive free tick kit, email wilsonc@leicesterma.org or visit the 3 floor of Leicester Town Hall at 3 Washurn Sq, Leicester, MA 01524