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With Sweet Summertime Comes Not-So-Sweet Ticks

The days are heating up and ticks are loving it! Gross! Just a few weeks ago, my brother, who runs in wooded areas where ticks often hang out, came home…

390650 01: A Close Up Of An Adult Female, An Adult Male, Nymph And Larva Tick Is Shown June 15, 2001. Ticks Cause An Acute Inflammatory Disease Characterized By Skin Changes, Joint Inflammation, And Flu-Like Symptoms Called Lyme Disease.

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The days are heating up and ticks are loving it! Gross!

Just a few weeks ago, my brother, who runs in wooded areas where ticks often hang out, came home only to discover that one of these disgusting little creatures made itself a little blood sucking home on his head. Removing it was a pain in the neck.

To all those like my brother with active lifestyles who are spending lots of their time outside in all different environments this summer, you need to worry about these disease carrying mini monsters! Here's how you can avoid them, according to the

Here are some tips on how you can best avoid them, according to the Center for Disease Control.

  • IF POSSIBLE, try to avoid wooded areas taken over by trees and leaves. If it's not avoidable, walk in the center of the trails.

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  • Use an effective repellent with at least 20% or more DEET that stays on for hours. Consider protecting your clothing with repellent containing permethrin.

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  • Examine yourself, your pets and gear for any ticks as that may have come home too. Parents can also do a full-body check on their children.
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  • If you find a tick, bathe as soon as possible to rid yourself of those unwanted monsters.
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  • Dry your clothes on high for at least 10 minutes. The heat will do them in.
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Sarah Francis is a half-Palestinian journalism junkie, a proud Charlotte, NC native with an oversized sweet tooth, and an active world traveler. Ask her where she's headed next. (@Sarah_Francis25)