Town of Southwest Harbor · Public Health
Protect Yourself and Your Family from Lyme and Other Tick-Borne Diseases
Black-legged (deer) ticks are common in coastal Maine, including Mount Desert Island. These tiny ticks can carry Lyme disease, anaplasmosis, and babesiosis. Cases are increasing statewide, and prevention is your best protection.
After Every Outing
Check yourself, your kids, and your pets every day
Even your own yard can harbor ticks. A daily tick check is the single most important step you can take.
Check yourself, kids, and pets every day after being outdoors — even in your own yard
Focus on warm, hidden spots: behind knees, armpits, groin, hairline, belly button
Use a mirror or ask someone to check your back
Check gear and clothing before coming inside; tumble-dry on high heat for 10 minutes to kill ticks
Before You Go Out
Dress for defense
Light-colored clothing
Makes ticks easier to spot before they reach skin
Tuck pants into socks
And shirt into pants when hiking or working in brush
Permethrin on clothing
Treat clothing and boots — lasts through multiple washes
EPA-registered repellent
Use DEET, picaridin, or oil of lemon eucalyptus on exposed skin
If You Find a Tick
Remove it safely — step by step
- 1
Use fine-tipped tweezers
Grasp the tick as close to your skin as possible
- 2
Pull straight up with steady pressure
Don't twist or jerk — this can cause the mouthparts to break off in the skin
- 3
Clean the bite area
Wash with soap and water or rubbing alcohol
- 4
Save the tick
Place it in a sealed bag or container with the date and location where you were bitten
- 5
Watch for symptoms
Call your doctor if you develop a rash, fever, or flu-like illness
UMaine Tick Lab offers FREE tick identification. Send your tick for testing to find out if it may carry disease. Learn more at extension.umaine.edu/ticks