How to Protect Yourself from Ticks in Utah

What are Ticks?

Ticks are small arachnids and are relatives of spiders, scorpions, and mites. Experts estimate there are roughly 900 species of ticks in the world, with most of them found in wooded areas of North America. The primary tick attaching to humans and pets in Utah is the Rocky Mountain Wood Tick. Ticks survive off the blood of animals and humans, but they do not simply bite and flee like a Mosquito. Instead, they attach to the skin and feed for multiple hours, and potentially days. Ticks start small and flat, comparable to the size of a poppy seed. After feeding, however, they can grow much larger and rounder.

How to Remove a Tick Safely at Home

Because ticks bury their heads under your skin as they suck your blood, they can be difficult to remove fully. Don’t make the mistake of simply pulling the tick out of your skin, because you may accidentally seperate the body of the tick from its head – this can ultimately lead to infection or put you at a higher risk of tick-borne illness. To safely remove a tick from your skin, experts suggest the following procedure:

1. Gently rub the area around the tick with a rag soaked in hot water or rubbing alcohol.

2. Use tweezers to gently but firmly grab hold of the tick as close to its head as possible. (Do not crush the tick’s body, as that can push bacteria into your blood.)

3. Clean your bite with warm water and soap to avoid disease or infection.

If you find yourself experiencing symptoms of tick-borne illness even after safely removing the tick, contact your medical provider. You can also use this Tick Bite Bot tool from the CDC to help guide you in safely removing a tick.

Common Tick-borne Illness

The most common tick-transmitted disease in Utah is Colorado Tick Fever (virus). Transmission of disease usually occurs 12-24 hours after feeding has begun. The most common tick-borne illnesses include, but are not limited to:

• Alpha-gal Syndrome
• Anaplasmosis
• Babesiosis
• Colorado Tick Fever
• Ehrlichiosis
• Heartland Virus Disease
• Lyme Disease
• Powassan Virus
• Tick paralysis

Symptoms of each tick-borne illness vary, but most include fever, chills, muscle pain, itchiness, swollen lymph nodes, skin rash, and even allergic reactions to red meat.

Of the illnesses listed above, one of the most common is Lyme Disease. Lyme Disease is an infection that causes severe joint pain comparable to Rheumatoid Arthritis. The pain can last anywhere from a few weeks to a few months. Lyme Disease is considered common, and it is easily treated with antibiotics.

The only human-attaching tick that is capable of transmitting Lyme disease in Utah is the Western Blacklegged Tick, but the likelihood of encountering this tick and contracting Lyme disease in Utah is very low.

How to Prevent Tick Bites when Hiking in Utah

Dress Appropriately 

• Wear long sleeves and pants. Light-colored clothing makes it easier to spot ticks.
• Tuck pants into socks or boots to prevent ticks from crawling up your legs.
• Wear a hat and keep long hair tied back.

Use Tick Repellents

• Apply DEET (20–30%) on exposed skin.
• Treat clothing and gear with permethrin (follow product instructions carefully).
• Natural options: Oil of lemon eucalyptus or IR3535 (less effective, but preferable to some).

Check Trail Conditions

• Avoid overgrown trails and brushy or wooded areas with high grass.
• Stay in the center of the trail whenever possible.

Stay on Clear Paths

• Avoid brushing against vegetation or sitting directly on the ground or logs.

Keep Gear Off the Ground

• Use rocks or logs to elevate backpacks if you need to set them down.

Protect Pets

• If hiking with dogs, use vet-approved tick prevention treatments and keep them out of tall grasses.

Perform a Tick Check After the Hike

Check your entire body and clothing. Pay close attention to:

• Behind ears
• Underarms
• Groin
• Hairline
• Back of knees

• Use a mirror or ask someone to help inspect hard-to-see areas.

Shower Soon

• Showering within two hours helps wash away ticks and makes it easier to find them.

Launder Clothing

• Put clothes in a dryer on high heat for 10–15 minutes to kill any ticks.

• Wash clothes in hot water if they’re dirty.

If you’ve recently been outdoors and are experiencing symptoms of a tick-borne illness, contact a Family Medicine or Urgent Care provider in your area.