Tick checks and the two-hour shower rule

01

Most ticks crawl for hours before they bite. A check on the way in is the single most reliable way to remove one before it attaches.

02

Within two hours of coming indoors, shower. This washes off unattached ticks and gives you a chance to do a full body check.

03

Do a head-to-toe check. Pay special attention to: in and around the hair, in and around the ears, under the arms, around the waist, inside the belly button, between the legs, and behind the knees.

04

Have a partner check the spots you cannot easily see (back, scalp, behind ears).

05

Tumble dry clothes on high heat for 10 minutes to kill any ticks riding in on fabric.