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Tick Season Advisory for LARPD Visitors 

A majestic tree with a sunset in the background illuminating a grassy field.
Sycamore Grove Park captured by Interpretive Ranger Eric. 

Tick Season Advisory for LARPD Visitors

The Livermore Area Recreation and Park District (LARPD) would like to remind all visitors to be vigilant about tick safety while enjoying our beautiful parks. Ticks are most active during the spring, summer, and fall seasons and can pose health risks if proper precautions are not taken.

Top Tips for Tick Prevention

  1. Wear Protective Clothing: Opt for long sleeves, long pants, and socks to minimize skin exposure. Tuck shirts into pants and pants into socks. Light-colored clothing can make it easier to spot ticks.
     
  2. Use Insect Repellent: Apply insect repellents containing DEET, picaridin, or permethrin to your skin and clothing.
     
  3. Stay on Designated Trails: Ticks are commonly found in tall grass, brush, and wooded areas. Stick to clear paths to reduce your risk of contact.
     
  4. Perform Tick Checks:  Regularly and thoroughly check yourself, your children, and your pets for ticks while outdoors and after time spent outdoors. Pay special attention to areas like the scalp, behind the ears, and under the arms. 
     
  5. Shower Promptly: Taking a shower within two hours of being outdoors can help remove unattached ticks and allow for a thorough tick check.

If Bitten By A Tick, Don't Panic

A finger with four ticks of increasing sizes, demonstrating their different life stages.
Four ticks in different life stages on a finger.
  1. If you find a tick attached, DO NOT yank the tick out.  Doing so may leave the tick's mouth parts still embedded, which could still lead to infection and disease.
     
  2. Remove the tick as soon as possible, using pointy tweezers if available. Grasp the tick as close to the skin's surface as possible. Pull upward with steady, even pressure.
     
  3. DO NOT squish the tick.  Squishing the tick may cause infections to enter your skin.
     
  4. DO NOT use a match or liquid to smother the tick.  This wouldn't necessarily remove the tick and may prevent you from getting it tested, if need be.
     
  5. Clean the bite area and your hands with rubbing alcohol, soap, and water.
     
  6. If you want to save the tick for identification or testing, place the tick in a ziplock bag; otherwise, safely dispose of it.  DO NOT crush the tick after removal.  Currently, the California Department of Public Health does not recommend testing. 
     
  7. Monitor for symptoms of disease for 30 days after a tick bite. A list of common symptoms of tick borne diseases and further information can be found from Center for Disease Control.

Protecting Your Pets

Consider using tick prevention products recommended by your veterinarian, and check your pets regularly for ticks, especially after they have been in outdoor areas.  Keep dogs on leash at all times while in the park. 

A tick clinging to a green plant stem.
Tick on a blade of grass.

Enjoy the Outdoors Safely

LARPD is committed to providing safe and enjoyable outdoor experiences for all visitors. Following these tick prevention tips can help ensure a safe and pleasant visit to our parks.

Stay safe and enjoy the natural beauty of our parks! 

 

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