Back on Topic: Ticks

Been a lot of complaints around the country about increased tick levels this year.  Have already had 3 on me (which is actually pretty good this far into the season!).

But with the spread of Lyme, it is worth taking precautions.  In addition, a woman in Minnesota died from a rare tick-born virus called the Pawasson Virus.  See: http://www.winonadailynews.com/news/state-and-regional/article_ffb9cd50-a299-11e0-89ab-001cc4c03286.html

Remember to spray yourself with high concentration of deet bug spray.  Tuck in your shirts, and if possible, your trousers into your boots.  Wear a hat.  Don't wear really dark clothing as it attracts ticks.  Avoid tall grass as much as possible...I have gotten just as many ticks playing golf looking for my ball then I have out in the real wilderness.

If you get a tick, get it off ASAP.  Generally, if you get it off before 24hrs you are ok from Lyme.  Know that Lyme disease tests are often inaccurate.  Also, the famous bullseye only shows up on about 50% of the cases...so if you start showing symptoms of flu after a tick GO TO THE DOCTOR!

For getting ticks off, it amazes me that even our military is often taught improperly.  Do NOT burn the tick off, do NOT "soap" or "suffocate" the tick out by using soap or vaseline to get him to back out...all of these have proven to be more dangerous.  Use a good tick tool and carefully but firmly remove the entire tick and ensure that the head is out when you pull it.  I LOVE the tick tool found here at NW Bushcraft.com: http://www.shop.bushcraftnorthwest.com/product.sc?productId=29&categoryId=6

Useful Site from CDC: http://www.cdc.gov/Features/StopTicks/