Tick Season Precautions: Expert Advice on Handling Tick Bites and Preventing Disease
During the tick season, which spans from April to September in the United States, the risk of encountering ticks increases as people spend more time outdoors. Ticks can transmit diseases such as Lyme disease through their bites. Experts emphasize the importance of promptly removing ticks to reduce the risk of infection. Thomas Mather, a public health entomologist, advises that the longer a tick remains attached, the higher the chance of disease transmission. Proper removal involves using fine-tipped tweezers to grasp the tick close to the skin and pulling it out without squeezing its body. After removal, the area should be cleaned, and the tick can be saved for identification. This helps in assessing the risk of disease transmission. Experts also recommend contacting a healthcare provider for advice, especially if the tick bite is considered high risk for Lyme disease. 
