Tick checks are free and accessible personal protection measures against tick bites that are frequently recommended by experts.
In 2022 and 2023, we recruited 207 participants to complete a brief survey and perform a tick check on a mannequin, where dead blacklegged tick larvae, nymphs, and adults had been glued at various locations.
Here are some of the findings from that study:
- On average, participants detected 42% of nymphs on the mannequin.
- Adult females were 3 to 4 times more likely to be detected than nymphs.
- Ticks above the waistline were detected 3 times more frequently than ticks below.
- Ticks that were on white-colored clothing were 3 times more likely to be detected than those on dark-colored clothing.
- Ticks that were not covered by hair or clothing were 2 times more likely to be detected than covered ticks.
We hope to use this data to inform further outreach on ticks and tickborne diseases by teaching people that…
- Wearing light-colored clothing can help with spotting ticks easier.
- Nymphal ticks are important to be aware of and can be very difficult to spot.
- Check under covered areas for ticks and around hair.
- Checking below the waist is just as important as checking above the waist.