Welcome to the Wisconsin Ticks page for Camps!
Tick Widget Many kids go to summer camp, during outdoor activities campers and counselors can encounter ticks. This tool was developed to assist camps in developing and implementing tick prevention strategies at camp.
Risk category & Intervention methods Ticks are found in every county in Wisconsin and you might have campers and counselors who have gotten Lyme Disease or another tickborne illness. The tick bite intervention matrix is a quick way to calculate your tick control action score (0, no action needed, 9-12 take action now) and explore what type of interventions you can include at your camp. Explore the Tick Bite Intervention matrix.
Quick access:
- Tick Bite Card
- Lyme flyer (WI Department of Health Services)
- Tick Crossword Educational Activity (CDC)
Interventions
| Tool | Price | Description |
| Reminder to check self before bed | Free | Counselors remind campers to check for ticks each day |
| Reminder to check self after outdoor play | Free | Counselors remind campers to check for ticks after play |
| Tool | Price | Description |
| Reminder in bathroom stalls | Free – $$ | A tag/card reminding campers and staff to check for ticks |
| Reminder in shower area | Free – $$ | A tag/card reminding campers and staff to check for ticks |
| Reminder at trail heads | Free – $$$ | A notice posted to remind campers and staff of the danger ticks pose |
| Specimens available to demonstrate size and appearance of tick stages | $ – $$$ | Specimens kept on display for campers and staff to see examples of ticks DIY or Order online |
| Pictures of ticks | Free – $ | Photos reminding campers and staff what ticks look like and their small size |
| Tool | Price | Description |
| Lawn treatment | $$$ | Adding insecticide to a fertilizer regimen |
| Mowed lawns | $ – $$$ | Mow one time per week |
| Mowed nature trails (if applicable) | $ – $$$ | Mow three times a month |
| Edged and wider nature trails | $ – $$$ | Side of nature trails kept clear from vegetation and long grass |
| Wood chip or other barrier between forest and lawn areas | $$ – $$$ | Reduces ticks in lawn areas |
*For these treatments, consider local options for lawn care and maintenance
Campers
| Tool | Price | Description |
| At-camp training on ticks | Free – $ | A short talk given by counselors about recognizing ticks, symptoms of tick bites and tick borne disease, and tick bite prevention |
| Bug spray available | $ – $$$ | Used on skin or clothing to repel ticks |
| Hand held mirrors available | $ – $$$ | Used for self-inspection during tick checks |
Counselors
| Tool | Price | Description |
| Training on ticks | Free – $ | A short presentation about tick recognition, prevention methods for self and campers, symptoms of tick bites and tickborne disease, and removal of ticks |
| Prevention tools | $ – $$$ | Bug spray, mirrors, treated clothing, and rubber boots are examples of prevention tools |
| Tweezers available | $ – $$ | Used to remove ticks |
| Tool | Price | Description |
| Website page with tick information | Free | Information on camp website regarding ticks and tick-borne disease at camp and in the area |
| Packing list with prevention methods listed | Free | Recommend bug spray, long pants or shirts, permethrin treated clothing, and more |
| Tool | Price | Description |
| Access to nurse or trained medical staff | $ – $$$ | Hired professional help to remove ticks |
| Documentation with instructions on tick removal and post-removal practices | $ – $$ | Documentation on tick removal, symptoms to watch for and when to take action, and document shared with parent(s) and counselor (if needed) |
Click on the tabs to explore the interactive intervention data base! The prices are color coded with green being lowest in price, and red being most expensive. Feel free to compare and make an intervention plan for the camp. Dollar sign key: $ – Low cost (less than $50) $$ – Moderate cost ($50-100) $$$ – Expensive cost (more than $100)