How to prevent and treat tick bites in Colorado

As spring draws to a close and summer approaches, Coloradans are heading outdoors to enjoy seasonal activities. While spending time in nature is a cherished part of life here, it’s important to be aware of ticks and the risks they pose.

Ticks are small arachnids that feed on the blood of a host, including humans and wildlife. They typically thrive in areas with tall grasses, thick vegetation and leaf litter. Though many species of ticks exist across the United States, they can carry a variety of disease-causing agents, including bacteria, viruses and parasites.

One of the most well-known tick-borne diseases, Lyme disease, is NOT present in Colorado’s wild animal population. Lyme disease ticks are primarily found in the northeastern U.S. If you are traveling to those regions, it’s essential to take appropriate precautions, including the preventive steps outlined below.

Tick species in Colorado

Colorado is home to approximately 30 different species of ticks. The two most common are the Rocky Mountain wood tick and the American dog tick. Tick activity in Colorado tends to peak during the spring and early summer months, although ticks can be active all year round. The most common tick-borne illnesses in the state are Colorado tick fever and tick-borne relapsing fever.

How to prevent tick bites

Ticks tend to be at the tops of grasses or brush, ready to latch onto a passing host. They are attracted by heat, body odor, carbon dioxide and movement. To reduce your risk of tick exposure, consider the following tips:

• Wear tall socks or tuck your pants into your socks or boots
• Dress in long sleeves and long pants. Consider wearing a hat. In warmer weather - opt for loose, breathable layers
• Use insect repellent containing DEET (a chemical compound used to repel biting insects) or permethrin
• Choose light-colored clothing to make spotting ticks easier
• Stay in the center of trails when hiking, avoiding tall grasses and dense underbrush
• Perform tick checks on yourself, children and pets every few hours – especially around the head, ankles, wrists and waistbands
• After returning home, place clothes in the dryer on high heat for at least 20 minutes to kill any hidden ticks
• Take a shower promptly following any outdoor activity and conduct a thorough tick check, paying attention to the following areas
  • Scalp and hairline
  • In and around the ears
  • Under arms
  • Around the waist, groin and belly button
  • Behind the knees
  • Between toes and fingers

How to safely remove a tick

If you find a tick attached to your skin, remove it as quickly – and carefully – as possible to reduce the chance of infection.

• Use fine-tipped tweezers to grasp the tick as close to the skin’s surface as possible. Pull upward with steady, even pressure. Avoid twisting or jerking the tick, as this can cause parts to break off and remain embedded in the skin.
• If tweezers aren’t available, use your fingernails (covered with a tissue or sanitary wipe) to gently pull the tick out.
• After removal, clean the bite area and your hands with rubbing alcohol, iodine scrub, or soap and water.
• Do NOT crush the tick’s body or attempt to burn or smother it – this can increase the risk of disease transmission.
• Dispose of the tick by placing it in a sealed container, submerging it in alcohol or wrapping it tightly in tape. Consider saving it in a sealed container, labeled with a date, location and time of removal, in case testing is needed later.

If you’re unable to remove a tick completely or develop signs of infection at the bite site, visit an urgent care near you to assist with removal and treatment. Our Erie Urgent Care Center offers walk-in treatment for common illnesses and minor injuries at a lower cost than an Emergency Department. Patients are seen on a walk-in basis, no appointments required.

When to seek medical attention after a tick bite

Because ticks are small, it’s easy to overlook them. If you find a tick on your body and are unsure how long it’s been there, monitor for symptoms such as fever, chills, headache or body aches, nausea, abdominal pain, and fatigue. If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, reach out to your health care provider as soon as possible for an evaluation.

While ticks can be a nuisance, they shouldn’t prevent you from enjoying the beauty of the outdoors. By taking proactive steps to protect yourself, staying informed and checking regularly for ticks, you can reduce your risk and continue to explore nature with confidence.

Boulder Community Health providers are here to help. If you’ve experienced a tick bite and are unsure about your symptoms, don’t hesitate to visit Urgent Care, schedule an appointment or reach out through MyBCH for guidance.