We field calls about ticks year-round, but we tend to hear a lot more about them during the warmer months. Families across Spring Valley, Northwest DC, Chevy Chase, and near Bethesda are spending more time outdoors — which means tick bites become more common.
Dr. Lily Joseph is here to help answer your most common tick-related questions and share practical prevention tips for keeping your child safe.
Why Tick Bites Are Common in Washington DC and Bethesda
Ticks are prevalent throughout the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic, including the DMV area. While they can be active year-round, bites are especially common in the summer when children are hiking, attending camp, or playing outside.
Ticks often live in:
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wooded or brushy areas
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tall grass
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parks and trails
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even neighborhood backyards
Families spending time near Rock Creek Park or other outdoor areas around DC and Bethesda should be especially diligent.
How to Prevent Tick Bites in Children
The best way to avoid tick-borne illness is to prevent tick bites in the first place.
Dress for Protection
Clothing is your child’s first layer of defense. Choose light, breathable clothing that covers arms and legs when possible.
Helpful tips include:
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long pants tucked into socks or closed-toe shoes
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long sleeves when hiking or in tall grass
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light-colored clothes to make ticks easier to spot
Insect Repellent Options That Are Safe for Kids
Insect repellents are another key tool for tick prevention.
The American Academy of Pediatrics supports:
DEET (up to 30%) for children over 2 months old
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10% DEET protects for about 2 hours
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30% DEET protects for about 5 hours
Picaridin (an excellent alternative)
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5% protects for about 3 hours
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20% protects for 8–12 hours
Repellents should be applied only to exposed skin — not under clothing.
Products containing citronella, catnip oil, or other essential oils are not recommended due to limited safety and effectiveness data.
Treating Clothing With Permethrin (Great for Camp)
For extra protection — especially before summer camp — permethrin-treated clothing is very effective.
Use 0.5% permethrin products on clothing only (never on skin). Once treated, clothing remains protective through multiple washes.
How to Check Your Child for Ticks Each Day
Even with the best prevention, tick bites can still happen.
Most tick-borne infections require the tick to be attached for more than 36 hours, so finding ticks early is extremely important.
We recommend making tick checks part of your bedtime routine.
Be sure to check:
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under the arms
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behind the knees
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between the legs
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around the waistband
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inside the hair and scalp
Safe Tick Removal Steps for Parents
If you find a tick on your child, try not to panic.
How to remove a tick safely:
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Use clean, fine-tipped tweezers
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Grasp the tick close to the skin
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Pull upward slowly and steadily
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Make sure the entire tick is removed
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Clean the area well with soap and water
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Apply a small bandage and topical antibiotic ointment (like Polysporin)
If the tick was attached for an extended period, your child may need antibiotics to prevent Lyme disease.
When to Call Your Pediatrician About a Tick Bite
You should contact your child’s doctor if:
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the tick may have been attached for more than 36 hours
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your child develops fever or flu-like symptoms
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you notice a rash (especially a bullseye-shaped rash)
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you have concerns about Lyme disease exposure
Spring Valley Pediatrics is here to help families throughout Northwest DC and near Bethesda with trusted guidance and sick care when needed.
Frequently Asked Questions About Tick Bites
Are tick bites dangerous for children?
Most tick bites are harmless, but ticks can sometimes carry infections such as Lyme disease. Prompt removal and monitoring are important.
How soon should I remove a tick?
As soon as possible. Early removal greatly reduces the risk of illness.
Do families in Bethesda and NW DC need to worry about Lyme disease?
Lyme disease is present in the Mid-Atlantic region, so prevention and awareness are important for children who spend time outdoors.
Should my child be seen right away after a tick bite?
Not always, but you should call your pediatrician if you’re unsure how long the tick was attached or if symptoms develop.
Trusted Pediatric Tick Bite Care in NW DC and Bethesda
Tick bites can be stressful for parents, but with prevention, daily checks, and prompt removal, most children do very well.
If you have concerns about a tick bite or possible Lyme disease exposure, Spring Valley Pediatrics is here to support families in Spring Valley, Chevy Chase, Northwest DC, and near Bethesda MD.
