Ticks

Before going out

It is important that you check these boxes before entering wooded/grassy areas:

  • Spray your clothes and shoes with Permethrin(follow instructions on bottle)

  • Wear light colored clothing

  • Make sure your pets are protected using tick collars or other preventative medications(talk with your vet for pet safe options)

While Enjoying Nature

Don't let a fear of Ticks stop you from enjoying our beautiful woods here in Freeport. While you are walking periodically check your legs and feet for any ticks that may be crawling. 

After your adventure

It’s essential that you check for ticks after spending time outdoors. You can follow this checklist to make sure you’ve conducted a successful tick check

  • Hair

  • Behind ears

  • Armpits 

  • Elbows 

  • Chest 

  • Stomach 

  • Back 

  • Bellybutton 

  • Hips

  • Between legs 

  • Behind the knees

  • Ankles 

It’s a good idea to ask for assistance from others to check the hard to reach/see areas. If you find one you can put it a tick jar to dispose of them. See informational videos to learn how to make one. 

What to do if you get bitten

If you get bitten call your doctor immediately. Even if you don’t have the infamous bullseye rash. Only about 20% of people with Lyme Disease got the bullseye rash. Getting immediate treatment is essential as it prevents further infection. Tick borne illness is tricky so if you think you have it always do your research to find what treatment path is right for you.

  • Bulls eye rash after bite

  • Fever

  • Chills 

  • Headache

  • Fatigue 

  • Muscle and joint aches

  • Neck stiffness

  • Rashes 

  • Facial palsy 

  • Severe joint pain and swelling

  • Severe headache 

  • Pain in muscles, joints, bones, tendons 

  • Heart palpitations 

  • Nerve pains

Symptoms to watch for

Videos coming soon

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Hi there! My name is Maisy Nichols and I created this page as a part of my Girl Scout Gold Award and Senior Project. After my own experience with Lyme Disease, Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever, Anaplasma, Babesia, Bartonella and Alpha-Gal Syndrome; I wanted to raise awareness about it and why people should care about it. The goal is not to make people afraid of going outside, but to educate them enough where they can still enjoy our beautiful outdoors and stay protected, because that is possible. After 11 years of being sick, 2 of which was spent in treatment, I have finally healed and I want to use my energy for good. As you are exploring our beautiful trails here in Freeport, check out the sign I created as a part of my project. They are hung on all kiosks at the trails that Freeport Conservation Trust owns. Have fun out there and be safe!

Image Credits

"From Tick Bite to Treatment: What You Should Know About Lyme Disease." IGeneX, 27 Apr. 2021, https://igenex.com/tick-talk/from-tick-bite-to-treatment-what-you-should-know-about-lyme-disease/.

"Preventing Tick Bites." Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 18 Sept. 2023, https://www.cdc.gov/ticks/prevention/index.html.

"Tick Biology." Cornell University, College of Agriculture and Life Sciences – Integrated Pest Management, https://cals.cornell.edu/integrated-pest-management/outreach-education/whats-bugging-you/ticks/tick-biology. Accessed 18 May 2025.

"Lyme Disease Rashes." NAPNAP Knows Lyme, National Association of Pediatric Nurse Practitioners, https://napnapknowslyme.org/for-providers/lyme-disease-rashes/. Accessed 18 May 2025.