CNY Lyme and Tick-Borne Disease Alliance
The Alliance is a collaborative of providers, scientists and community members who support research, drive education and promote awareness to combat tick-borne diseases.
🪵 Found a Tick? Take a Breath.
We’ve all been there: you come inside from a great hike or a backyard session, look down, and see a tiny, unwanted hitchhiker attached. It’s easy to panic, but the best tool you have right now is a clear, calm head.
Here is exactly what to do (and what not to do) to handle it like a pro. 👇
✅ The "Do" List
Grab fine-tipped tweezers: Get as close to the skin's surface as possible.
Pull straight up: Use steady, even pressure. Don't jerk or twist it, as this can cause the mouthparts to break off.
Clean up: After removal, thoroughly clean the bite area and your hands with rubbing alcohol or soap and water.
Save the tick: Put it in a sealed bag or container. If you develop symptoms later, a doctor or lab can identify the species.
❌ The "Don't" List
Skip the folklore: Forget the matches, peppermint oil, petroleum jelly, or nail polish. Trying to "smother" or burn the tick will only irritate it, causing it to regurgitate fluids into your bloodstream faster.
Don't panic if the head stays in: If the mouthparts break off and you can't easily get them with tweezers, leave them alone! Your body will naturally expel them like a splinter. Poking and prodding will only risk infection.
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Dogs love grassy, bushy, or wooded areas—and so do ticks! Some tick bites can cause Lyme disease. After spending time outside with your dog, make time to check for ticks and remove them immediately. Learn about all the actions you can take to protect against ticks and Lyme disease: bit.ly/notimeforlyme
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Happy Saturday!🥾 Hitting the Trails today? Don't Forget the Post-Hike Laundry Routine! 🧺❌🕷️
You checked your skin for ticks after your hike, but did you check your clothes? Ticks are masters of hitchhiking, and tossing your trail gear straight into the laundry hamper is an easy way to accidentally welcome them into your home.
Before you sit down to relax after a great day on the trail, protect yourself and your family with this essential 3-step post-hike laundry routine:
Step 1: Go Straight to the Dryer First (The Secret Weapon) 🔥
Do not wash your clothes first. Water alone won't kill ticks, and washing them in warm water can actually help them survive. Instead, put your dry trail clothes directly into the dryer on high heat for at least 10 minutes (add more time if the clothes are damp). The intense, dry heat dehydrates and kills ticks instantly.
Step 2: Wash in Hot Water 🧼
Once the dryer cycle has neutralized any hitchhikers, wash your clothes. If the fabric care label allows, use hot water. If you are washing technical gear that requires cold water, that's okay—as long as they already did their time in the high-heat dryer first!
Step 3: Clean the Hamper & Check Yourself 🔎
If you used a laundry basket to carry your dirty gear before drying it, wipe it down or wash it. Finally, do one last thorough tick check on yourself—especially around your waistline, socks, and hairline.
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