Know your ticks! Some ticks are more likely to transmit Lyme Disease than others. Do you know the difference?
-Deer/Black Legged Ticks: Very small orange/brown in color, with a black spot near the head. These CAN be a carrier of Lyme Disease.
-Wood ticks: Approximately 2 times larger than deer/black legged ticks, with a white spot near the head. NOT likely carrier of Lyme Disease.
Reduce Your Exposure:
•Wear long sleeves/pants and tuck pant legs into socks/boots and shirts into waistbands when walking through the woods or fields.
•Wear bug spray, particularly around ankles, wrists and waist.
•Check yourself and your pets for ticks after enjoying the outdoors.
•Gently remove ticks with tweezers—grab as close to the head as possible.
•Ticks removed within 24 hours not likely to transmit Lyme Disease.
After being outdoors:
•Watch for characteristic ring-shaped rash—usually occurs within 4-10 days. Other symptoms include fever, chills, headache, stiffness in joints and weakness/fatigue.
If you suspect a case of Lyme Disease, contact your doctor immediately to reduce the chance of permanent effects. If diagnosed early, Lyme Disease is usually treatable with antibiotics.