BATAVIA, Ohio (June 23, 2026) – Hiking, camping, cookouts, gardening… Summer brings more people outdoors. With the increase in outdoor activity, the risk of encountering ticks rises significantly.

Tick bites can transfer vector-borne illnesses. In Clermont County, the most common tickborne disease reported is Lyme disease. Less commonly, cases of Rocky Mountain spotted fever and ehrlichiosis have been reported.

Tips for Preventing Lyme disease
The best way to prevent tickborne diseases is to prevent tick bites. Follow these tips to reduce your exposure:

• Use EPA-registered insect repellents labeled for use against ticks
• Wear clothing or use outdoor gear treated with permethrin.
• Avoid walking through high grass, brush, and leaf piles — all areas where ticks congregate.
• Wear long pants, long sleeves, and long socks, tucking items into each other to form a barrier.
• After outdoor activities, check for ticks on yourself and your pets.
• Shower as soon as possible after spending time outdoors, washing off any ticks that may remain.

What to Do If You Find a Tick
If you find a tick, remove it by using fine-tipped tweezers to grasp the tick close to the skin's surface. Dispose of a live tick by placing it in a sealed bag/container, wrapping it tightly in tape, or flushing it down the toilet. Wash your hands and the bite area with soap and water.

Do not use “folk” remedies such as petroleum jelly, a hot match, or nail polish to remove a tick. These methods do not work.

If you find a tick on yourself, monitor for symptoms. Talk to your doctor immediately if you develop fever, chills, muscle aches, swollen lymph nodes, or a bull’s-eye rash (a red spot at the site of the bite surrounded by a clear ring and another red ring).

About Clermont County Public Health

Clermont County Public Health (CCPH) is a local government agency that provides public and environmental services, nursing services, and education to Clermont County residents. CCPH is dedicated to the mission of striving to improve Clermont County by preventing disease, promoting health, and protecting the environment. For more information, contact ClermontHealthOhio.gov or (513) 732-7499.