Ticks Don’t Have to Steal Your Peace Outdoors
It was so good to meet you at the Leading Ladies Summit! I promised you real, practical, non-scary help for protecting yourself and the people you love from tick bites — and everything is right here, along with a couple of free printables to take home.
A Little Education Goes a Long Way
I’m Tricia, a wife and retired homeschool mom whose entire family was upended by chronic Lyme disease. I know firsthand how one small tick bite can change everything, and how much fear and confusion surround this topic. My goal here isn’t to scare you away from the outdoors — it’s to hand you the same simple, practical steps I wish someone had handed me years ago, so you can enjoy hiking, gardening, and time with your family with real peace of mind. You can read more of my story on my My Story page or start with the basics on Lyme Disease 101.
Four Simple Checkpoints
Think of tick protection as a path with four checkpoints — before you head out, while you’re out, the moment you come back in, and what to do if you do find a tick attached.
Before You Head Out
- Treat clothing & shoes with permethrin ahead of time
- Wear light-colored clothing so ticks are easier to spot
- Tuck pants into socks, tuck shirts into pants
- Pull long hair back and up
- Choose a gentler repellent, especially for kids
While You’re Out
- Stick to the center of trails
- Avoid tall grass, leaf litter, and brushy edges
- Do quick “buddy checks” on kids & pets outdoors
- Remember: ticks don’t jump or fly — they climb on from brush
The Moment You Come In
Showering within two hours can lower your risk of a bite by 50%.
- Toss clothes in the dryer on high heat for 10+ minutes
- Shower and do a full-body check, scalp included
- Use a mirror or magnifying glass — ticks can be tiny
If You Find One Attached
Don’t panic — how you remove it matters.
- Use fine-tipped tweezers, pull straight up, slow and steady
- Save the tick in a bag or container
- Know your treatment window & watch for symptoms
Early Warning Signs
A bullseye rash gets all the attention, but it’s actually the exception, not the rule. Here’s what else to watch for in the days and weeks after a bite:
Want the full picture? Walk through the Lyme, Babesiosis & Bartonella symptom chart, learn why Lyme disease deserves your attention, or read about testing for Lyme disease if you’re concerned about a past bite.
Help! I Found a Tick
My e-course walks you step-by-step through exactly what to do before, during, and after a tick bite — including an exhaustive, hand-curated resource list I’ve built over seven-plus years in the Lyme community. It’s the calm, clear plan I wish I’d had, so you can stop Googling in a panic and start feeling prepared.
Learn About the CourseFree Printable Resources
Print these and keep them with your first aid kit, in the car, or in a camping bag — so the information is there exactly when you need it.
Tick Bite Prevention Checklist
A one-page, at-a-glance checklist covering the four checkpoints above — perfect for your camping gear, glovebox, or fridge.
Download the Checklist (PDF)Tick Bite Treatment Guidelines
My most-requested printable: exactly what to do in the hours and days after a tick bite, before panic sets in.
Get the Treatment GuidelinesHi, I’m Tricia
I’m a Christian wife, retired homeschool mom, Certified Biblical Life Coach, Certified Herbalist, and Certified Homeopath. When my family was deep in chronic Lyme, I lost hope more than once — and it’s now my privilege to hand you the education, encouragement, and hope I searched so hard to find. Read more on my About page, or reach out anytime — I’d love to hear from you.
Thank you again for stopping by my table at the Leading Ladies Summit.
“Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy & peace in believing that you may abound in hope.” — Romans 15:13
