Main Menu

Tick Awareness - Missouri State Parks


Taking some simple precautions can help keep ticks off your body during your next outdoor adventure!

  • Apply insect repellent containing 20-50% DEET (as directed on the label) to your clothing and footwear.
  • Wear light-colored clothing and consider tucking your pants into your socks.
  • Walk in the center of trails to avoid overhanging brush and grass.
  • Examine your clothes and skin frequently for ticks (be sure to check your dogs too).
  • Shower soon after you return indoors.

If you should find a tick attached to your body, carefully remove it immediately. 

  • Use tweezers to grasp the tick near its mouth parts (as close to your skin as possible).
  • Pull firmly and straight out to remove the tick.
  • Wash your hands and the site of the bite.
  • Apply antiseptic to the bite.

For more information on ticks in Missouri, please visit the Department of Health and Senior Services website or contact your local health department.


For temporary closures related to weather, stewardship activities and maintenance, as well as temporary trail closures, click here to visit our Park and Site Status Map.

Active Dates

Mar 1, 2023 – Oct 31, 2023

Advisory pertains to…

Parks