Tick checks belong with trail days

Ticks are easy to forget until one shows up later. In California, they can be part of trail days, tall grass, brushy parks, campsites, wood piles, and yards near open space.

A quick check after being outdoors is the habit to build. Look along socks, waistbands, hairline, behind knees, under arms, and on pets. Showering and changing clothes can help spot one sooner.

If a tick is attached, use fine-tipped tweezers to grab it as close to the skin as possible. Pull slowly and straight up without twisting or jerking, then clean the bite and your hands. Save the date and place, and watch for symptoms.

Talk with a healthcare professional if a rash, fever, or other concerning symptoms develop, or if you are unsure what to do. CDPH does not recommend testing the removed tick to make medical decisions. Most outdoor days are fine. The point is to make the check and prompt removal normal.