Lymes disease is the most common disease spread by ticks in the Northern Hemisphere. It is estimated to affect 300,000 people a year in the United States and 65,000 people a year in Europe. Infections are most common in the spring and early summer.
LYMES DISEASE TIPS
AVOID wooded areas with dense shrubs and leaf litter.
MAKE your yard less attractive to ticks: mow lawns and prune trees.
WEAR solid, light,colored clothing with pants tucked into socks. Use skin and/or clothing insect repellents for you and your pets. Read label directions carefully.
EXAMINE yourself frequently while in tick-infested areas.
PERFORM a full-body exam on yourself, children, and pets after leaving tick habitat.
REMOVE attached ticks promptly.
USE fine-pointed tweezers.
GRASP the tick's mouth parts close to the skin.
APPLY steady outward pressure.
DO NOT use petroleum jelly, noxious chemicals, or hot objects to remove ticks. Improper removal can increase the chances of infection.
