Ticks, Ticks, and more ticks!

I hate to break it to you (as if you don't already know), but we live in the heart of the tick belt!  Lyme Disease is not a foreign concept - it's a common occurrence.  Here's what you need to know about ticks and why:

- Deer Ticks carry Lyme Disease (among other infectious parasites)
- The other most commonly seen kind of tick in our area is the Dog Tick which are bigger and redder
- Dog ticks do not carry Lyme Disease but can still carry other diseases
- Ticks must be on the body more than 36 hours before they can successfully imbed and transmit disease
- Any adult who finds a tick on their body for more than 36 hours or for an unknown period of time can be treated with a one pill dose of an antibiotic which prevents Lyme disease from developing!  
- The best way to avoid Lyme Disease is to avoid ticks!!  
- If you're looking for alternatives to DEET-containing products, check out the EPAs list of ingredients that can help repel ticks (and other insects)! 
- Using essential oils to formulate your own repellent - more here

If you're ever not sure what to do about a tick bite, talk to your doctor ASAP!