[chionactis]

In a few weeks we will be moving to Hebron, CT and we have 4 small children. We are moving from AZ. What do we need to do to protect the kids from ticks this summer when they are out in the yard playing on the lawn in their bathing suits, shorts and tee-shirts? We are living in a home where the back yard abuts a state forest, so the woods are right there. What products are out there to purchase that are really effective in preventing the ticks from getting on the kids - I hear anything with DEET, but how much DEET? I haven't given this Lyme disease a lot of thought but all of a sudden I am really concerned. Thanks for any helpful information!

[Viralmd]

Lyme disease (named for LYME, CT) is all over North America and Northern Europe. What you need to know is that you should keep your grass trimmed, and INSPECT yourselves AND YOUR PETS, DAILY for ticks: under the arms, between the toes (and for pets, add inside the ears). Ticks need to be attached for a few hours before they can transmit the spirochete that is the causative agent for Lyme disease. It really is NOT the big deal many make it out to be.

[Erin1264]

Check out this site:

Lyme Disease (http://www.health.ri.gov/disease/communicable/lyme/index.php - broken link)

Pay particular attention to the instructions on how to remove a tick! (with tweezers only!)