Ticks are tiny parasites that feed on blood and can spread serious diseases like Lyme disease, Rocky Mountain spotted fever, and anaplasmosis. They’re oval-shaped, brown to black, and live in wooded areas, tall grass, leaf piles, and places animals pass through.
Health Risks:
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Lyme disease: fever, fatigue, joint pain, neurological issues
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Spotted fever: high fever, rash, circulation problems
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Anaplasmosis / babesiosis: weaken the immune system
Prevention:
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Wear long, light-colored clothing and tuck pants into socks
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Use repellents with DEET or icaridin
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Check your body, clothes, and pets after being outdoors
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Keep grass short and clear leaves
If Bitten:
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Remove tick with fine tweezers, close to the skin
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Pull straight out, don’t crush
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Wash and disinfect the bite area
