Prevention
To help prevent Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever (RMSF), you should avoid walking in areas of tall grass and brush where there may be ticks. If you do go into these areas, be sure to
- Wear light-colored clothing.
- Tuck your pants legs into your socks so ticks can’t get up inside your pants legs.
- Wear a long-sleeved shirt and tuck it inside your pants.
- Spray insecticide containing permethrin on boots and clothing. The effects will last several days.
- Apply insect repellent containing DEET to your skin. Because DEET lasts only a few hours, you may need to reapply it.
- Look for ticks on your body, including in your hair, when you return from hiking or walking.
- Check children and pets for ticks.
Generally, a tick needs to be attached to your body for at least 24 hours before it can infect you. You should remove it with fine-tipped tweezers. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has more information on how to prevent tick bites and to remove ticks.