Prevent Tick-Borne Diseases in Barron County

The number of tick-borne diseases has increased in recent years. These diseases occur after a bite from an infected tick. In Barron County, the average number of confirmed and probable cases of tick-borne disease cases continues to increase in comparison to previous years, with Barron County having one of the highest average risk level for disease resulting from a tick bite in the state of Wisconsin. 

Taking steps to protect you and your family is the best defense against tick-borne diseases. Here are some things that you can do:

Use Repellents

• Always use according to labels. 
• Use repellents with 20-30% DEET on exposed skin and clothing to prevent tick bites. 
• Permethrin is also effective against ticks and lasts for days to weeks, but ONLY apply to clothes and NOT directly to skin.

Clothing

• Wear long sleeves, long pants, and long socks to keep ticks on the outside of clothing. 
• Light colored clothing will help you spot ticks. 
• Tuck shirts into pants and pants into shoes or socks. 

Avoid Ticks

• Avoid wooded and bushy areas that contain high grass and leaves. 
• If you do go into wooded areas, stay in the center of a cleared trail to avoid contact with overgrown grass, brush, and leaves.

Control Ticks Around Your Home

• Clear overgrown grass, brush, and leaves. 
• Use wood chips or gravel between lawns and wooded areas. 
• Mow lawns frequently and remove cut grass and leaves.
• Keep tables, swing sets, play equipment, etc., away from woods, shrubs, and tall grass. Place in a sunny location.
• Keep deer away by constructing barriers and not feeding them.
• Remove woodpiles, or stack wood neatly in dry areas away from houses to prevent ticks and rodents.
• Pesticides that kill ticks (acaricides) may be helpful to use during spring. Talk to a professional pesticide company before use.

Barron County Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) is taking action by promoting personal prevention efforts. At the Barron County Fair, DHHS provided tick prevention education, insect repellent, tweezers and resources to fairgoers. In partnership with Barron County Parks and Maintenance Department, there are now “Prevent Tick Bites” signs posted in area parks. 

Take action to protect you and your family tick-borne diseases! For more information, visit CDC.gov/ticks.