So, how do you go about protecting yourself and family from tick bites? The CDC says the best way is to stay out of the woods! Actually their ideas are pretty good. Do things like staying out of really brushy areas, tall grass and overhanging limbs. Stay in the center of trails when hiking and check yourself (and others) carefully for creepy-crawlers at the end of the day. Bathe as soon as possible and really check "everything" for ticks.
Another way to protect yourself is by using an insect repellant that contains DEET. But before you do, you need to know some things about this chemical. First, there is some thought that DEET may have been responsible for a lot of Gulf War, the Iraq War and OEF veterans being sick. The US Government doesn't believe this and has fired at least one USDA researcher and ended any further research relating DEET to Gulf War Syndrome. In fairness to our government, the research indicated that DEET had to be used in conjunction with another chemical that our soldiers were taking to defend against nerve gas.(http://www.getipm.com/government/moss.htm) However, we should ask ourselvesthe question: What is the effect of using DEET with the medications you are taking now?
Another problem with DEET is that it melts plastic and synthetic fibers used in clothing. Be careful with that $200 sleeping bag! So, if you do use DEET, don't "slather" it all over; put a drop or two on the palm of one hand, rub your hands together and then run your hands along the areas you want protected. I use deet all the time, but I use just a hint of it.
http://www.cdc.gov/ticks/avoid/on_people.html
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