Tips To Avoid Ticks In Rockland County

NEW CITY, NY – Rockland County officials are encouraging residents to be vigilant in protecting themselves against ticks as the weather warms up.

Forecasters are predicting more precipitation this spring and summer, officials said, which can lead to above-average tick populations.

"There's no vaccine, so the only way to protect yourself from ticks and their diseases is to avoid tick bites. To prevent tick-borne disease in people, follow these five simple steps to protect yourself and your family," said Dr. Patricia Schnabel Ruppert, County Health Commissioner, in a prepared statement.

How to protect yourself from ticks:

Check your skins for ticks daily

• Ticks live in grassy and wooded areas and prefer a humid environment. Check often and brush off any ticks before they attach.

Remove ticks quickly and safely

• Using fine-tipped tweezers, grasp the tick near the mouthparts as close to the skin as possible. Do not twist, turn or squeeze the tick's body. Instead, pull in a steady, upward motion away from the skin.

Dress in clothes that protect

• Wear a long-sleeved shirt, long pants, socks and shoes. Tuck your shirt into your pants and pant legs into your socks.

Consider the use of an insect repellant

• Carefully read and follow the directions on the repellant label. Some products should be used only on clothing, never on the skin.

Learn the symptoms of Lyme disease

• Symptoms can include tiredness, headache, neck stiffness, slight fever, swollen glands, pain or stiffness of muscles or joints and a red circular rash.