03/26/2026
Tick season is here.
As the weather warms up, ticks are out too, and they can carry illnesses like Lyme disease, Rocky Mountain spotted fever, and ehrlichiosis. Lyme disease is spread by blacklegged ticks and is most common in the Northeast, mid-Atlantic, and upper Midwest. In Arkansas, Rocky Mountain spotted fever is reported more commonly. 
How to help prevent tick bites:
Use an EPA-registered insect repellent, avoid tall grass, brush, and leaf litter, and treat clothing/gear with 0.5% permethrin when appropriate. After being outside, check your body, kids, pets, and clothing for ticks, and shower within 2 hours if you can. 
What to do if you find a tick:
Remove it as soon as possible with tweezers, grabbing it close to the skin and pulling straight out with steady pressure. Then clean the area with soap and water, rubbing alcohol, or hand sanitizer. Do not use petroleum jelly, nail polish, or heat. 
When to get checked:
Watch for symptoms over the next several days to weeks, especially fever, rash, headache, fatigue, muscle aches, nausea, or joint pain. Seek care if symptoms show up after a tick bite or after time spent in grassy or wooded areas. 
We’re here if you need us.
If you have questions after a tick bite or start feeling unwell, don’t wait to get evaluated.
Here’s a short flyer version for the graphic:
TICK SEASON IS HERE
Prevent tick bites:
• Use tick repellent
• Avoid tall grass
• Check skin, clothes & pets
• Shower after being outdoors
If you find a tick:
• Remove it ASAP with tweezers
• Pull straight out
• Clean the area well
• Watch for fever, rash, headache, body aches
Tick-borne illness warning:
Lyme disease, RMSF & ehrlichiosis can start with flu-like symptoms. Get checked if symptoms develop.
