Tick Myths

Ticks are a well-known parasite that sit on vegetation, waiting to attach themselves to a passing animal. They then burrow their head into the animal and drink its blood. Ticks can carry diseases, Lyme disease being one of the most dangerous.

Prevalence

• There is a common misconception that ticks are most prevalent in grassy fields. While ticks can be found on any type of leaf, they are much more prevalent in forests. Be careful whenever you are brushing up against foliage.

Clothing

• White clothes can help you avoid tick bites, but they do not actually repel ticks. White or light-colored clothes make it easier to spot a tick after it latches onto your clothes, but before it bites you.

Treatment

• If you get a tick, covering it with petroleum jelly or burning it is not the best way to take the tick out. The best method is to grab the tick's head right against the skin and pull it out. Even if the tick carries Lyme disease, pulling it out promptly can prevent infection.