‘Don’t Let Ticks Stick’: Alexandria health officials want you to be on lookout for bloodsuckers

April 13, 2026 - 18:40

Alexandria health officials are urging residents to be proactive in checking for ticks after outdoor activities. The small, bloodsucking arachnids are more than a nuisance; they are potential carriers of serious illnesses, including Lyme disease and alpha-gal syndrome.

Prompt and proper removal of ticks is a critical first line of defense. Health experts advise using fine-tipped tweezers to grasp the tick as close to the skin's surface as possible, pulling upward with steady, even pressure. Thoroughly cleaning the bite area and your hands afterward is also essential.

Residents are encouraged to take preventative measures, such as using EPA-registered insect repellents, treating clothing and gear with permethrin, and walking in the center of trails. After spending time in grassy, brushy, or wooded areas, conducting a full-body tick check is strongly recommended. Showering within two hours of coming indoors can also help wash off unattached ticks and provides a good opportunity for a check.

Early detection and removal of ticks significantly reduces the risk of disease transmission. Officials emphasize that awareness and simple preventative habits are key to enjoying the outdoors safely this season.