Summer is a wonderful time to enjoy the outdoors, but it is also peak tick season. In Connecticut and throughout New England, ticks can carry a variety of infections that may affect health long after the initial bite.
Understanding what to do after a tick bite—and what symptoms to watch for—can help you take appropriate action if exposure occurs.
What Should You Do After a Tick Bite?
If you find a tick attached to your skin:
- Remove it promptly using fine-tipped tweezers.
- Grasp the tick as close to the skin as possible.
- Pull upward with steady, even pressure.
- Clean the bite area with soap and water or rubbing alcohol.
- If possible, save and submit the Tick for Testing If possible, save the tick in a sealed container or plastic bag for identification or testing.
If possible, place the tick in a sealed plastic bag or crush-proof container and submit it for identification and testing. Knowing whether the tick carried Lyme disease, Babesia, or Anaplasma may provide valuable information for you and your healthcare provider.
For Connecticut residents, tick testing is available through the Connecticut Agricultural Experiment Station (CAES). Testing is provided as a public service at no charge, although some local health departments may charge a small handling or mailing fee.
Connecticut Agricultural Experiment Station
Tick Testing Laboratory
Jenkins-Waggoner Building
123 Huntington Street
New Haven, CT 06511
Before sending the tick:
- Do not place it on tape.
- Do not place it in alcohol or water.
- Keep it dry in a sealed plastic bag or crush-proof container.
- Complete the Connecticut Tick Submission Form available through your local health department.
Patients who prefer more comprehensive testing for a broader range of tick-borne organisms may also choose private laboratories such as TickReport or the University of Connecticut Veterinary Medical Diagnostic Laboratory, which offer expanded pathogen testing for a fee.
Important: Do not wait for tick test results if you develop symptoms. If you experience fever, rash, fatigue, headaches, joint pain, flu-like symptoms, night sweats, air hunger, or other concerning symptoms after a tick bite, seek medical evaluation promptly.
- Record the date of the bite and where you may have been exposed.
Many people never see the tick that bites them. Deer tick nymphs, which are active during late spring and summer, can be as small as a poppy seed.
Lyme Disease: Myths and Facts
Myth: Everyone with Lyme disease develops a bullseye rash.
Fact: Many people never develop a bullseye rash. Some studies suggest that a significant percentage of Lyme patients either never notice a rash or develop a rash that does not have the classic target appearance.
Myth: If you don’t have symptoms right away, you’re fine.
Fact: Symptoms may develop days, weeks, or even months after exposure.
Myth: A negative early test rules out Lyme disease.
Fact: Antibodies may not appear immediately after infection, which can make early testing less reliable.
Myth: Lyme disease only causes joint pain.
Fact: Lyme disease can affect multiple body systems and may cause:
- fatigue
- headaches
- muscle aches
- brain fog
- nerve symptoms
- sleep disturbances
- dizziness
- mood changes
- heart rhythm abnormalities
- joint pain
Why Doesn’t Everyone Get a Bullseye Rash?
The classic “bullseye” rash, called erythema migrans, is often shown in educational materials. However, real-world presentations vary considerably.
Some people develop:
- a solid red rash
- an oval rash
- a bruise-like appearance
- multiple rashes
- no visible rash at all
The absence of a rash does not mean an infection is absent.
Lyme Disease Is Not the Only Tick-Borne Infection
Ticks can carry multiple organisms at the same time. In some cases, symptoms may be related to co-infections rather than Lyme disease alone.
Bartonella
Bartonella is a bacterial infection that may be transmitted by ticks and other insects.
Possible symptoms may include:
- foot pain, especially upon waking
- anxiety or mood changes
- headaches
- nerve pain
- swollen lymph nodes
- sleep disturbances
- cognitive difficulties
- unusual stretch-mark-like skin findings
Babesia
Babesia is a microscopic parasite that infects red blood cells.
Common symptoms may include:
- fatigue
- drenching sweats
- chills
- shortness of breath
- dizziness
- headaches
- air hunger
- exercise intolerance
Some individuals with Babesia report feeling as though they cannot take a deep enough breath despite normal lung function.
Prevention Tips
The best treatment is prevention.
When spending time outdoors:
- Wear light-colored clothing.
- Tuck pants into socks when walking through tall grass or wooded areas.
- Stay on cleared trails whenever possible.
- Use tick repellents according to label instructions.
- Perform full-body tick checks after outdoor activities.
- Check children and pets carefully.
- Shower shortly after returning indoors.
- Place clothing in a hot dryer for at least 10 minutes to help kill ticks.
Pay special attention to:
- scalp and hairline
- behind the ears
- armpits
- groin
- behind the knees
- waistband area
When Should You Seek Evaluation?
Consider seeking medical evaluation if:
- You find an attached tick.
- You develop a rash following a tick bite.
- You experience flu-like symptoms after outdoor exposure.
- You develop unexplained fatigue, headaches, muscle aches, or joint pain.
- You notice new neurological symptoms, dizziness, or cognitive changes.
- You experience night sweats, air hunger, or unexplained shortness of breath.
Early evaluation may help determine whether further monitoring, testing, or treatment is appropriate.
Final Thoughts
Not every tick carries disease, and not every tick bite leads to infection. However, awareness and prompt attention are important, particularly in areas where tick-borne illnesses are common.
If you have concerns after a tick bite or develop symptoms that seem unusual or persistent, do not ignore them. Early recognition and proper evaluation can make a significant difference.
Enjoy the outdoors, stay vigilant, and remember to check for ticks after every adventure.
Save and Submit the Tick for Testing
If possible, place the tick in a sealed plastic bag or crush-proof container and submit it for identification and testing. Knowing whether the tick carried Lyme disease, Babesia, or Anaplasma may provide valuable information for you and your healthcare provider.
For Connecticut residents, tick testing is available through the Connecticut Agricultural Experiment Station (CAES). Testing is provided as a public service at no charge, although some local health departments may charge a small handling or mailing fee.
Connecticut Agricultural Experiment Station
Tick Testing Laboratory
Jenkins-Waggoner Building
123 Huntington Street
New Haven, CT 06511
Before sending the tick:
- Do not place it on tape.
- Do not place it in alcohol or water.
- Keep it dry in a sealed plastic bag or crush-proof container.
- Complete the Connecticut Tick Submission Form available through your local health department.
Patients who prefer more comprehensive testing for a broader range of tick-borne organisms may also choose private laboratories such as TickReport or the University of Connecticut Veterinary Medical Diagnostic Laboratory, which offer expanded pathogen testing for a fee.
Important: Do not wait for tick test results if you develop symptoms. If you experience fever, rash, fatigue, headaches, joint pain, flu-like symptoms, night sweats, air hunger, or other concerning symptoms after a tick bite, seek medical evaluation promptly.
This addition is particularly useful for your Connecticut patient population because many people are unaware that free tick testing is available through the state.