Summer means more time spent outdoors, which unfortunately in Pennsylvania means a greater risk of tick bites.
The Department of Conservation and Natural Resources is offering some tips to help avoid tick bites over the next few months. Deputy Secretary Mike Walsh.
“Use an EPA approved insect repellent. Wear light colored protective clothing that covers your arms and legs—so when the ticks contrast against the light colors and are easier to spot,” Walsh said. “Tuck your pant legs into your socks and wear a hat.”
“When you get home, check yourself, children, and pets for ticks. And carefully remove any ticks you might find,” Walsh added.
One of the biggest risks of a tick bite is Lyme Disease. If you are bitten by a tick, you should be on the lookout for symptoms like a bullseye rash, fever and chills, headache, muscle and joint pain, and swollen lymph nodes.
Also health officials say to reach out to a medical provider as soon as possible.
