Beware of Ticks on Rural Hikes, Health Officials Say

San Diegans may increase their risk of being exposed to tick bites and Lyme disease this spring if they are not careful in rural areas, a spokesman for County Environmental Health Services said.

As the weather improves and people begin taking trips into rustic areas, they should be aware of the dangers of tick bites and take precautions, said Gary Stephany, deputy director of the agency.

The Western black-legged tick lives in rural areas of San Diego in humid, grassy areas and carries the germ that causes Lyme disease, said Stephany. “Although tick populations should diminish by late April, we continue to see large populations of the Western black-legged tick.”

He said controlling the insects is not always possible, and people should take the following measures to avoid being bitten:

* Avoid trail edges, brush and grassy areas.

* Wear long pants and long-sleeved shirts.

* Tuck pants into boots or socks, and shirts into pants.

* Wear light-colored clothing to more easily spot the dark brown and red ticks.

* Check children and pets frequently for ticks.

If a tick is found on the skin, it should be removed gently with tweezers, and the area should be cleaned with soap, water and antiseptic. If any part of the tick, which is about 1/8-inch long, is left in the skin, a doctor should be consulted, Stephany said.