Ticks can spread disease in humans and pets. If you notice a tick, remove it as soon as possible. The best way to avoid tickborne disease is to avoid getting bitten by ticks.

How to prevent tick bites:

• Know where ticks are: Ticks usually live in and around woods or areas with long grass.When you go hiking, walk in the center of trails to avoid ticks (and poison ivy!).

• Keep your yard clean: Mow your lawn regularly, and clear brush and dead leaves.

• Use insect repellent: Look for one of these ingredients: DEET, picaridin, IR3535, Oil of Lemon Eucalyptus (OLE), or 2-undecanone. You can also treat clothing, shoes, and gear with permethrin (do not use on skin).

• Cover up: Wear long sleeves and pants, and tuck pants into shoes or socks.

• Inspect: Check your entire body—and your children’s—for ticks after being in areas that might have ticks. Showering after being outside can also help find and wash off unattached ticks. Remove any attached ticks that you find.

• Protect pets: Keep your pets safe by checking for ticks daily, and using tick control products as recommended by your vet.

Removing a tick:

Rutgers: Submit your tick for science

NJDOH: Tickborne disease in New Jersey