If you'll be doing yard work, hiking, or just sitting on the lawn in the spring loveliness this weekend, be aware that you might not be alone out there: It's tick time again.
Reports out of several states indicate that tick season is off to an early start in many areas, driven partly by a mild winter and warm spring. Bites from the tiny deer ticks prevalent in the Northeast and upper Midwest can transmit Lyme disease and other illnesses. And ticks in other areas can carry Rocky Mountain spotted fever and anaplasmosis, another bacterial disease.
So it's important to start taking precautions now that you might normally associate more with summer, like tucking your pants into your socks or spraying your clothes down with deet before doing yard work. Here are specific steps for staying tick-free and safe all season long:
The ticks that carry Lyme disease usually have to feed on your body for at least 36 hours in order to transmit it. So if you're vigilant about searching for and removing ticks, you can greatly reduce your risk. Call your doctor if you develop symptoms that could indicate a tick-borne illness, including a circular "bullseye"-shaped rash, fever, muscle aches, or joint pain.
—Jamie Kopf
Build & Buy Car Buying Service
Save thousands off MSRP with upfront dealer pricing information and a transparent car buying experience.
Get Ratings on the go and compare
while you shop