

Tick Prevention
Make sure to follow these prevention tips to reduce the risk of tick bites:
- Wear long pants, long-sleeved shirts and closed-toe shoes when outdoors.
- Wear light colored clothing so that ticks are easier to spot.
- Wear repellent containing at least 20 percent DEET.
- Keep your yard tick-free by removing weeds and cutting grass low.
- Inspect yourself, your family and pets for ticks after spending time outdoors.
- When hiking, stay in the center of trails and away from vegetation.
- If you find a tick on yourself or a family member, remove it with tweezers using a slow, steady pull so as not to break off the mouthparts and leave them in the skin. Then, wash your hands and the bite site thoroughly with soap and water. Ticks should be flushed down a toilet or wrapped tightly in tissue before disposing in a closed receptacle.
- Be on the lookout for signs of tick bites, such as a telltale red bull’s eye rash around a bite. If you suspect a tick has bitten you, seek medical attention.
- Learn the symptoms of Lyme disease and consult with your doctor immediately if you are concerned or experiencing symptoms.