Dear Tuckahoe Community,

I hope this message finds you and your family well. As we enjoy more time outdoors during the warmer months, it’s important to be aware of ticks and the illnesses they can carry, such as Lyme disease.

Ticks are most found in grassy, wooded, or brushy areas. Children are especially at risk because they often play outside in these environments. While tick bites are usually harmless, some can lead to illness if not addressed promptly.

To help protect your child:

• Encourage them to wear light-colored clothing, so ticks are easier to spot.
• Dress them in lightweight, long sleeves and pants, with pants tucked into socks when in grassy or wooded areas.
• Usean EPA-registered insect repellent according to label directions.
• Perform a thorough tick check after outdoor activities, especially around the scalp, behind the ears, under the arms, around the waist, and behind the knees.
• Showering soon after coming indoors can help wash away ticks before they attach.

If you find a tick:

Remove it promptly with fine-tipped tweezers, grasping close to the skin and pulling upward steadily. Clean the bite area and your hands with soap and water. Monitor your child for symptoms such as rash, fever, fatigue, or joint pain for up to 30 days after a bite and contact your healthcare provider if any arises.

By working together, we can help keep our children safe and healthy while they enjoy the outdoors. Thank you for your attention to this important matter.

For more helpful tips:

https://cals.cornell.edu/integrated-pest-management/outreach-education/whats-bugging-you/ticks/protect-yourself-ticks#habitat

Sincerely,

Doreen Buckley

Superintendent of Schools

Tuckahoe Common School District