05/02/2026
Some ticks in Tasmania carry bacteria that can make people very sick.
Ticks can also cause allergies and anaphylaxis.
There are simple steps you can take to protect yourself and your family from tick bites:
👉 Wear loose-fitting, light-coloured clothing that covers as much of your body as possible. Light colours help you spot ticks before they attach. Tuck your shirt into your pants and your pants into your socks.
👉 Use approved insect repellents containing DEET (Diethyl toluamide), picaridin or Oil of Lemon Eucalyptus (OLE) on exposed skin. Follow the directions on the label.
👉 Treat your clothing and gear with the insecticide permethrin.
👉 Check your skin for ticks when you come inside. If you’ve spent time in areas where ticks may be common, place clothes in a hot dryer for 20 minutes to kill any ticks.
First aid for tick bites:
1. Find out if a person is allergic to ticks. If they are allergic, do not disturb the tick and seek urgent medical assistance at the nearest emergency department or call triple zero (000). Ensure their adrenaline autoinjector (EpiPen or AnaPen) is available in case it is needed.
2. For people who are NOT allergic, and the tick is easily visible - ‘freeze it, don’t squeeze it’. Kill the tick as soon as possible by freezing it with ether-containing sprays (available at pharmacies). If the tick does not drop off after following the instructions on the spray, leave the tick in place and seek medical assistance.
👉 ”Freeze it, don’t squeeze it”. NEVER forcibly remove a tick by squeezing, pulling, twisting or other means.
👉 DO NOT use household tweezers to remove a tick, do not jerk or twist the tick. Don't use methylated spirits, kerosene, petroleum jelly, nail polish, oil, alcohol or a lighted match.
🧑🏼⚕️ See a doctor if you can’t kill a tick or if any part of the tick is left in the skin.
🔗 Find out more at www.health.tas.gov.au/tick-borne-diseases
