Tick Check 101

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.