The Macon County Health Department is reminding residents that even the smallest ticks can pose a health risk during the summer months.
Health officials say tick larvae, the earliest active stage in a tick’s life cycle, are only about the size of a poppy seed, making them easy to miss after spending time outside.
Whether you’re hiking, camping, gardening, or simply enjoying your backyard, the health department recommends taking a few simple precautions to reduce your risk of tick bites.
Those include using an EPA-registered insect repellent, wearing long sleeves and pants when possible in grassy or wooded areas, and checking yourself, children, and pets for ticks after coming indoors. Officials also recommend showering soon after being outside, which can help wash away unattached ticks and make it easier to spot any that may be crawling on your body.
The Macon County Health Department says a thorough tick check only takes a few minutes but can help reduce the risk of tick-borne illnesses. Illinois is home to several tick species, including the blacklegged tick, American dog tick, and lone star tick, all of which can carry diseases that affect humans and animals.
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