Ticks have become a major concern for everyone. There are two types of ticks
in Massachusetts, both spread tick-borne diseases. Deer ticks may carry germs
that cause Lyme disease, babesiosis or human granulocytic anaplasmosis.
American dog ticks can carry germs that cause Rocky Mountain spotted fever and
tularemia. Ticks are a serious problem, but don’t let fear keep you from
enjoying the wild places of Worcester County.

Sensible and careful precautions can help you take a safe walk in the woods.
Here are a few thoughts and suggestions.

•       Ticks are around all year long but are only active when the temperature is above freezing. The tiny deer tick nymphs are out in Spring.
•       When outdoors, wear light -colored long pants and long-sleeved shirts. The light colors make the ticks easier to see.
•       Pull your socks over your pants to create a physical barrier to keep a tick off your skin.
•       Using bug repellent can help. Follow package instructions to treat your clothes with Pyrethrin. One treatment will last for at least several washes. You can also apply a bug repellent with Deet to your skin.
•       When hiking, stay in the middle of the path and avoid high grass.
•       After a hike, do a tick check before you go indoors. The earlier you find a tick the easier it is to remove.
•       Putting tape on an unattached tick is an easy way to pick one up. Just fold the tape over the tick and throw the tape away.
•       Comb your hair with a fine tooth comb to catch a tick that has not attached.
•       Check the nape of your neck; ticks like to hide in the first inch of hair. Ticks hide very well, so check your whole body.
•       The best way to kill any undiscovered ticks on your clothes, is to put them in the dryer for 10 minutes on high. If you are washing the clothes first, dry them completely on high.
•       Showering may remove an unattached tick, but it isn’t a guarantee.
•       Remove attached ticks at once. Grasp the tick close to the skin with tweezers and pull firmly upward. Avoid squeezing the tick.
•       If you suspect that you have a tick-borne disease, see your doctor.