Causes And Risk Factors For Lyme Disease

Exposed Skin

Anyone who spends time in areas where infected ticks are present has the potential to be infected with Lyme disease. However, ticks are most likely to bite individuals who present them with exposed skin. To reduce the risk of contact, it's always important to wear long sleeves and long pants when entering into areas with tall grass or wooded areas, like the forest. This is especially important advice to follow during the spring and summer months when tick populations are at their highest. Even if you've taken precautions to avoid exposed skin in these danger areas, it's always important to check for ticks after returning home.

Prolonged Periods In Wooded Or Grassy Areas

It doesn't take long at all for a tick to bite you, but individuals who frequently spend prolonged periods in wooded or grassy areas are obviously at an increased risk for contracting Lyme disease. Luckily, there are ways to decrease this risk. When in the forest, stick to visible trails, as high grass and plants where ticks can live are generally cut down or leveled entirely. Also, when avoiding high grass entirely isn't an option, be sure to tuck pant legs into socks so ticks aren't given the opportunity to attach themselves to your body. Finally, whether you're on established trails or not, use insect repellent to keep ticks at bay.