How to Avoid Deer Ticks

Deer ticks or black-legged ticks inhabit the northeastern and north central areas of the United States. The deer tick can carry Lyme disease which is dangerous for humans and pets.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Fine-tipped tweezers and gloves

1. Avoid deer ticks by staying out of tall grass, wooded areas, woodpiles, areas where there is a lot of shrubs, nests, and bird feeders where food has spilled. Keep playground toys away from these areas and keep lawns mowed.

2. When in an area where there is a tick infestation, wear light clothes, so you can see the ticks. Keep long sleeve shirts tucked in and socks tucked into pants. Wear hats. Examine your whole body when you return from outside.

3. 

   If you find a tick, removal is fairly easy, but take your time. You will need a pair of fine-tipped tweezers and gloves. Firmly grasp the tick close to the skin and pull away slowly so not to rip the tick. Examine the area to make sure the whole tick is removed. Place the tick in a jar and take it to the doctor's for examination. Wash the skin with warm water and soap.

4. If you have the following symptoms, see a doctor immediately:
   Pain, swelling, redness
   Warmth around area
   Red streaks leading from area
   Pus draining from area
   Swollen lymph nodes
   Fever or chills
   Any flu-like symptoms

Tips & Warnings

• Don't use petroleum jelly or a hot match to remove a tick.

[acole]

on 7/10/2008 Good tips!