This is an article that I found, that some might find interesting. My experience has been with the Western Black Legged tick, and not with those found back East. However it you are traveling, this might be good information. Karen-Website Admin

This morning I removed the FOURTH embedded tick I've found on my husband this year. That was all the inspiration I needed to write this post.

Ticks are EVERYWHERE this year, and the diseases they carry can have life-changing consequences for both people and pets. Here in Virginia, we're seeing more tick-borne illnesses than ever before. Please take a few minutes to read this, and if you find it helpful, share it with your friends and family. The more people who know how to protect themselves, the better!

It's summer — time for camping, hiking, dog training, gardening, and enjoying the outdoors. Don't let ticks ruin your adventures.

PROTECTING YOUR PETS

Many people prefer to avoid chemicals whenever possible. Depending on your situation and level of exposure, a homemade spray MAY provide some protection. Here's one recipe:
• 1 cup water
• 2 cups distilled white vinegar
• 2 tablespoons vegetable or almond oil
For added flea protection and a more pleasant scent, you can add a little lemon juice or a few drops of citrus or peppermint oil.

Spray lightly onto your pet's dry coat, avoiding the eyes, nose, mouth, and other sensitive areas.

Because of the amount of exposure we and our dogs have, we use K9 Advantix II monthly with good success. (Important note: it is toxic to cats.) The best thing you can do is talk with other pet owners in your area to find out what is working for them and, of course, discuss options with your veterinarian.
 An Important Side Note--------
Research by the AKC Canine Health Foundation has identified a possible link between infection with Bartonella (a tick-borne bacterium) and hemangiosarcoma, an aggressive cancer of the blood vessels. As a breeder and owner of Golden Retrievers, that gives me one more reason to take tick prevention very seriously.

PROTECTING YOURSELF AND YOUR FAMILY

Whether you're hiking, mowing the lawn, training dogs, gardening, or just spending time outside, PLEASE protect yourself.

If you'd like to try a homemade option:
• 2 cups distilled white vinegar
• 1 cup water
• 20 drops eucalyptus, peppermint, or citrus essential oil
Spray lightly on clothing, shoes, hair, and exposed skin before heading outdoors.

In the past, we regularly used Wondercide (amazon)before going outside, but I have to admit we've gotten a little lax about it lately. With the number of friends we've seen seriously affected by tick-borne diseases—not to mention the number of dogs affected—we're recommitting to protecting ourselves just as diligently as we protect our dogs.

THE MOST EFFECTIVE EPA-APPROVED TICK REPELLENTS FOR PEOPLE

According to the CDC and EPA, the most effective active ingredients include:
• Picaridin (20%) – odorless, non-greasy, and highly effective against ticks and mosquitoes.
• DEET (20–30%) – the longtime gold standard for tick protection.
• IR3535 – effective and generally gentle on the skin.
• Oil of Lemon Eucalyptus (OLE/PMD) – a plant-based option with strong protection.
• Permethrin – for clothing, boots, socks, tents, and gear only (never apply directly to skin). Treated clothing can remain protective through multiple washings.

For maximum protection in high-tick areas, experts recommend:

*Treat clothing and footwear with permethrin.
*Apply a skin repellent containing picaridin, DEET, IR3535, or OLE.
*Wear light-colored clothing so ticks are easier to spot.
*Tuck pants into socks when appropriate.

BUT NOTHING BEATS A GOOD TICK CHECK!

No repellent is 100% effective. The single most important habit is performing a thorough tick check every day after spending time outdoors.

I was reminded of something that I am adding to this post.  If you can get a prescription, a single 200mg of doxy within 72 hours of finding an embedded black legged tick is recommended by the CDC. 

If you've ever found one of my posts helpful, please share this one. Tick-borne diseases are becoming a bigger problem every year, and awareness can save a tremendous amount of heartache for both people and pets.