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Step 1
Limit exposure to ticks. The most effective way of preventing ehrlichiosis is to avoid being bitten by an infected tick.
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Step 2
Wear white or very lightly colored clothing to see ticks more easily. Tuck pant legs into boots or tightly knit socks to keep ticks out of the inside pant legs.
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Step 3
Use an insect repellent. Sprays containing permethrin can be applied to boots and clothing and will last for several days. Products containing diethyl toluamide (DEET) can be used, but will last only a few hours. DEET should be used with caution on children because of reported side effects.
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Step 4
Search your entire body when you return from an area that might have ticks.
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Step 5
Remove ticks promptly and carefully. Ticks may need to be attached to the host for three hours to two days several hours before any microorganisms are transmitted. Use fine-tipped tweezers to grab the tick as close to the skin as possible, preferably by the mouth parts. Use steady even pressure to remove the tick and extract the mouth parts separately if they break off.
