The vibrant San Diego summer is here, bringing with it opportunities for outdoor adventures, from canyon hikes to playground fun. Here at Lifetime Montessori School (LJMS), we cherish these moments of outdoor exploration, but they also bring an important reminder about local wildlife – specifically, ticks.

Just recently, one of our Primary children happily carried over a ‘spider’ they had discovered.  Unfortunately, upon closer inspection, it was identified as a deer tick.   This incident serves as an important reminder that summer and fall in San Diego are prime tick season.

Why Tick Awareness Matters

Ticks are small arachnids that latch onto hosts to feed on blood. While often harmless, some ticks can carry pathogens that cause various illnesses, including Lyme disease, Anaplasmosis, and other less common but significant infections. Knowing how to prevent tick bites and react if one is found is crucial for the health and safety of our children and families.

Proactive Measures at LJMS

Your child’s safety is our highest priority. To minimize tick presence on school grounds, our dedicated gardening team actively trims back the brush and vegetation from all fences and common areas. Ticks cannot fly or jump; instead, they “quest” by climbing onto tall grasses, shrubs, or leaf litter and waiting for a host to brush by. By keeping these areas clear, we reduce accessible habitats for ticks.

Best Practices for Families: Prevention is Key!

Preventing tick bites starts with simple, consistent habits, especially during warmer months and after spending time outdoors:

1. Dress Smartly for Nature: When exploring grassy or wooded areas, encourage children to wear long pants and long-sleeved shirts. Light-colored clothing can also make it easier to spot ticks.
2. Use Repellents Wisely: Consider using an EPA-registered insect repellent containing DEET, picaridin, IR3535, oil of lemon eucalyptus (OLE), para-menthane-diol (PMD), or 2-undecanone. Always follow product instructions carefully, especially when applying to children.
3. The “Bath Time Check”: A Daily Ritual: Make a thorough tick check a part of your child’s daily routine, especially after outdoor play or excursions. Ticks prefer warm, hidden spots, so pay close attention to:
   • Ankles and the sock line: A common entry point.
   • Along the waistband of pants: Another snug, hidden area.
   • Behind the ears: Often overlooked, but a favorite.
   • Scalp and Hairline: If children have been exploring canyons, hiking, or playing in tall vegetation, always check their scalp and hair thoroughly.
   • Other common spots: Under the arms, in and around the ears, inside the belly button, behind the knees, between the legs, and around the waist.

Here is a helpful article from the U.S. Forest Service for preventing (and, if necessary, removing) ticks: https://www.fs.usda.gov/visit/know-before-you-go/ticks