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As summer arrives, the risk of Lyme disease from tick bites increases, prompting health experts to share crucial prevention tips.

Lyme disease, a debilitating illness caused by the bacterium Borrelia burgdorferi and sometimes Borrelia mayonii, is transmitted through the bite of infected blacklegged ticks, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). With cases prevalent in the Northeast, mid-Atlantic, and upper Midwest regions of the United States, it's essential to understand how to protect yourself and your loved ones from this tick-borne threat.

Ticks and Their Threat

Ticks are more than a nuisance; they are vectors for several diseases, including Lyme disease, West Nile virus, Rocky Mountain spotted fever, babesiosis, and ehrlichiosis, per the CDC. Each tick species can carry different pathogens, and at least one variety of disease-transmitting tick exists in almost every state. Therefore, effective tick control and personal protection are crucial during the warmer months.

Creating a Tick-Free Yard

Your backyard should be a refuge, not a haven for ticks. To make your yard less inviting to these pests, follow these expert recommendations from Consumer Reports:

Maintain Your Lawn: Ticks thrive in tall grass and weeds. Keeping your lawn trimmed to about 2 to 2.5 inches helps reduce their habitat. While slightly longer grass is usually recommended for lawn health, shorter grass is safer in tick-prone areas.

Remove Leaf Piles and Clear Gutters: Ticks hide in moist, shaded areas. Eliminating leaf piles and ensuring gutters are clear reduces these damp environments.

Prune Trees and Bushes: Ticks love the shade provided by low-hanging branches. Prune trees to keep branches at least 18 inches above the ground, allowing sunlight to penetrate and dry out the soil, making it less hospitable for ticks.

Create a Mulch Barrier: A mulch border around your yard can act as a barrier to ticks. Use wood chips, bark, or gravel to create a dry, inhospitable zone that deters ticks from migrating into your yard. Avoid shredded mulch, which retains moisture and can attract ticks.

Personal Protection Measures

When venturing into wooded or grassy areas, it's vital to take personal precautions:

Use Insect Repellent: Apply a repellent containing 25 to 30 percent DEET, which has been shown to offer reliable protection against ticks and mosquitoes. Always follow the product instructions for safe use.

Conduct Tick Checks: After spending time outdoors, thoroughly check yourself, your family, and pets for ticks. Pay close attention to hidden areas such as the scalp, behind the ears, underarms, and groin.

Wear Protective Clothing: Dress in long sleeves and pants when hiking or walking through tick-prone areas. Light-colored clothing makes it easier to spot ticks.

Recognizing Lyme Disease

Lyme disease manifests with various symptoms, including fever, headache, fatigue, and a distinctive erythema migrans rash, which resembles a bullseye. Early diagnosis is critical; if left untreated, the infection can spread to joints, the heart, and the nervous system. Diagnosis typically involves a combination of clinical assessment and laboratory testing with FDA-cleared tests. Fortunately, most Lyme disease cases can be effectively treated with a course of antibiotics lasting a few weeks, according to the CDC.