SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – You may not want to be outside for very long with all the heat we’ve been having recently, but if you do go out, state officials warn to be on the lookout for ticks.
Samantha Kerr with the Illinois Department of Public Health says avoid walking through areas with tall grass, and if you go for a hike, stay in the center of the trail.
Also, Kerr says, use insect repellent.
“We recommend a [Environmental Protection Agency]-registered repellant, which would contain DEET, Picaridin, IR 3535, or oil of lemon eucalyptus,” said Kerr, IDPH’s Division of Environmental Health Vector Control Program Manager.
Ticks can cause fevers, a rash, or worse yet, Lyme Disease. So, if you’ve been outside and you find one on you or your pet, Kerr says, remove it as soon as possible.
“The best method…is to take a pair of fine-tipped tweezers, grasp the tick right where it is attached at the skin, and to pull straight up,” said Kerr.
CLICK HERE for more tips from the Illinois Department of Public Health.
