Environmental Control - Spray yards if ticks are seen, and consider spraying during summer tick season. Keep weeds or grass well mowed. Restrict access of wild animals into the yard.

Limit Exposure - Carefully plan excursions into fields and woods during the months of May, June or July to limit exposure to ticks. If possible, stay away from heavy woods and areas with standing water.

Wear long pants tucked into socks. Ticks travel upward until their path is blocked. Clothing with collars and cuffs is recommended, since ticks often lodge in these areas of fabric. Wear long sleeved shirts with collars and cuffs (tucking the shirt into pants) when venturing into fields and forests. Light colored clothing makes it easier to spot ticks.

Dress children in loose fitting, light colored clothes to spot ticks more easily. Choose long pants and long sleeved shirts with collars and cuffs. Tuck shirts into pants and pants into socks or boots.

Insect Repellents - Use insect repellents from April through October, until the first frost for effective control of ticks. Sprays clothes or apply to exposed skin as directed on the label. Read the label to determine whether the repellent should be applied to skin or clothing.

Adults should apply repellent to young children. Follow all child safety precautions on labels. Of course, always keep insect repellents out of the reach of children.

For safe and effective use, read and follow product label directions and cautions. Apply repellent only to exposed skin and/or clothing as directed on the product label. Do not apply under clothing. Use only enough to cover exposed skin and/or clothing. Saturation of clothing or frequent reapplication to skin is unnecessary for effectiveness. Do not apply repellent to eyes or mouth, nor over cuts, wounds or irritated skin.

On returning indoors, wash treated skin with soap and water. This is particularly important when repellents are used repeatedly. If any reaction to a repellent is suspected, wash the treated skin and seek medical attention. Show the product to a health professional for proper identification.

Checking for Ticks - Always visually inspect yourself and your children for ticks after outdoor activities. Before returning indoors, inspect clothing, especially under collars and cuffs. Further inspect behind knees, under armpits, around the scalp, nape of the neck and behind ears.

Removing and Disposing of Ticks - A tick should be removed immediately with tweezers by grasping the tick as close as possible to the skin and slowly pulling it away. Do not remove ticks with vaseline, hot objects such as matches or cigarettes or by other methods. These methods can increase the chance of a host tick injecting bacteria into the person. Be sure to kill and dispose of any detected ticks. Do not brush a tick into the grass, where it can colonize and continue to pose a health risk. Wash hands after contact.

If Bitten - If bitten by a tick, treat the bite site with a topical antibiotic and over the next few weeks watch for any rash or flu like symptoms. Consult a physician about any questions.

Animals - Insecticidal products such as tick sprays, collars, dips, pour ons, shampoos, and other forms all may prove effective for pets and other animals. When animals have been running in yards, fields and woods during tick season inspect them on their return and remove any ticks. Wear light colored clothes for your own protection to facilitate detection should ticks move from the animal to you.

In the Home - Products used for flea control in the home will usually control ticks as well. These include total release foggers, direct sprays and powders. Be sure to follow label directions.