Most people love being outdoor in nice weather. This is especially so for those of us who live in areas with long winters. Being able to remove all heavy clothing and being liberated from spending long hours indoor is doubly-freeing. This freedom can require added diligence on our part however if we live where ticks are found.

Ticks are small arachnids (like spiders) that are also (unlike spiders), external parasites, and carriers of disease. The potentially serious Lyme disease and Rocky Mountain spotted fever (potentially deadly) are both transmitted by tick bite.

Ticks live in woodland areas, tall grass, and brush. They attach themselves to humans who rub against them, and usually do so without the person noticing. It's important to find ticks when one gets on you as quickly as possible because the longer they're attached, the greater the chance of disease.

Deer ticks and the black-legged tick are the primary carriers of Lyme disease. In some areas, up to 50% of these types carry it. The American dog tick and the western black-legged tick are carriers of Rocky Mountain spotted fever.

If you spend much time in tall grass, in woods or brushy areas, some precautions are in order to avoid tick bites.

?Wear light colored clothing so that ticks can easily be seen.
?Use insect repellents that contain the chemical DEET. Apply it to all exposed areas as well as to clothing. Don't apply to the face and hands of children. Be sure to follow directions on repellent containers for the safe use of these products.
?If possible, wear long pants and long sleeve shirts, tucking shirts into pants and pants into socks.
?Wear tightly woven clothing so that ticks cannot fit through the weave.
?At home, avoid landscapes that attract tick hosts. For instance, avoid plants that deer like to eat. Instead, plant those that deer dislike such as yarrow, dwarf aster, creeping juniper and English lavender. Using plants that deer don't like can help reduce the deer that frequent your property and consequently the tick population. Some deer repellents have also been shown to be effective at keeping out deer. For a foolproof solution however, a fence is the way to go. It should be at least 7 feet tall and sturdily constructed.
?When you come inside, have someone help you thoroughly inspect yourself. Carefully check your entire body, including the hair and scalp.
?Regularly inspect pets for ticks. Ticks are tiny so extra care is required when doing this.
?Keep lawns mowed and keep landscape weeds to a minimum. These are places where ticks can hide and use to gain a hold on an unsuspecting human.
?Treat pets regularly with flea and tick repellent.
?If you find a tick on you, remove it quickly and carefully with tweezers, as close to the skin as possible. Make sure the whole head (and preferably a small bit of your skin) is removed. Thoroughly was the bite area and apply an antiseptic to it.
?If a tick bites you it's important to find it as quickly as possible because it takes a day or so for Lyme disease to be transmitted. Always check yourself after you've been out in tick habitat.

You shouldn't let the fear of ticks keep you from enjoying the outdoors. Remember, the vast majority of people (even those who get tick bites) never develop any disease. And by following these few simple guidelines, you reduce the chance that you will to almost nothing.