Ticks can be found in tall grasses, on ground cover, and near structures and woodpiles. They cannot jump, fly, or fall from trees but will attach to pets and people as they walk by.
The tick population is high this year. Ticks are active from early spring until late fall. Tick-borne diseases can be transmitted only by the bite of an infected tick. An infected animal or person cannot pass the infection on to another animal or person. Ticks normally become infected by taking a blood meal from an infected animal.
Use caution when removing ticks from pets and be sure to check yourself and loved ones after spending time in ticks' habitat. The risk of exposure to ticks and disease can be reduced by using these precautions.
Consider purchasing tick prevention products for your pets like tick collars, sprays, and gels. Talk to your local veterinarian for more guidance.
Avoid wooded or weedy areas on trails
Tuck pants into socks or boots
Wear light-colored clothing to easily find ticks
Use repellents and follow label instructions
Check children and pets for ticks after hiking or playing outside
Remove ticks as soon as you find them.
If you are bitten by a tick, do not panic. Carefully remove the tick, including its mouth parts, from your skin using tweezers. Monitor your health the following days.
