MIDDLEBURY — In a recent e-newsletter, The Middlebury Area Land Trust (MALT) rejoiced at the arrival of warmer weather. But they added, “Unfortunately, the ticks are also waking up and having a great time latching on to unsuspecting hikers and runners.”
Most Vermonters know that warm weather plus time in the forest means ticks. But it can be hard to remember what steps people can take to ensure they are protected and prepared to deal with ticks when they arrive. Below are tips from Vermont’s Department of Health to help avoid tick-borne diseases:
•  Before going outside, put on EPA-registered tick repellent and tuck long pants into long socks.
•  While outside, avoid dense underbrush and stay on the trail.
•  After going outside, check entire body for ticks and change clothes. Shower before going to bed.
•  For imbedded ticks: Remove the tick with fine-tipped tweezers, pulling straight up to remove all parts of the tick. Dispose of the tick in a sealed bag or by flushing it down the toilet.
•  For 3-30 days after removing the tick, watch for any symptoms of tick-borne illness, including fever, bulls-eye rash, headache, stiffness, joint pain, and fatigue.