(Editor’s Note: The following article was composed using information  from the Wright County website).

In Minnesota, we’re in the middle of deer tick season. From mid-May to mid-July, the smaller nymph stage of deer ticks are feeding and potentially spreading Lyme disease.

Deer ticks, also known as blacklegged ticks, are just one of thirteen known tick species in Minnesota. They are most common in the east and central areas of the state and are found in hardwood forests and wooded and brushy areas. Deer ticks are potential carriers of Lyme disease, human anaplasmosis and babesiosis.

The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources has provided a list of tips for the prevention of tick bites and tick removal to assist those who will be outdoors over the next two months.

Prevention

Check and re-check for ticks when you are in tick-infested areas.

1). When in deer tick habitat, walk in the center of the trail to avoid picking up ticks from grass and brush;

2). Wear light colored clothing so ticks will be more visible;

3). Create a barrier to ticks by tucking pants into socks or boots and tuck long sleeved shirt into pants;

4). Use a repellent containing DEET or permethrin, and carefully follow the directions on the container;

5). After being outdoors in tick habitat, get out of your clothes immediately, do a complete body check, shower and vigorously towel dry. Wash your clothes immediately as to not spread any ticks around your living area;

6). Pets should also be checked for ticks.

Tick removal

The risk of getting a tick-borne disease is small if the tick is removed soon after it becomes attached. Deer ticks must remain attached one to two days to transmit Lyme disease, and about one day for the other diseases.

1). Take precautions when in tick habitat, but don’t panic if you find a deer tick on you. Not all ticks are infected, and prompt tick removal can prevent illness;

2). Use tweezers to grasp the tick close to its mouth;

3). Gently and S-L-O-W-L-Y pull the tick straight outward;.

4). To avoid contact with the bacteria, if present, do not squeeze the ticks’ body;

5). Wash the area and apply an antiseptic to the bite;

6). Watch for early signs and symptoms of Lyme disease.