Virginia Department of Health provides tick safety tips

CHESTERFIELD COUNTY, Va. (WRIC) -- Spending more time outside means an increased risk of tick bites, prompting the Virginia Department of Health to share some preventative safety tips.

In a recent release, the Chesterfield Health District provided several steps people can take to lower their risk of attracting ticks:

• When outside, use insect repellent containing DEET, picaridin or lemon eucalyptus -- and always follow the product label instructions.
• Ticks usually hitch a ride by climbing up people's shoes or socks, as they don't climb high on vegetation -- make sure to tuck pants into socks to prevent ticks from climbing up bare legs.
• Check clothing after spending time in places that could house ticks -- tumble dry clothing on high heat for 10 minutes to kill lingering ticks.
• Use a mirror, friend, partner or spouse to help check for ticks - remember to check in armpits, groin area, ears, hairline, belly button, knees and legs.
• Inspect children, gear and pets for ticks as well.

Ticks are small, and often hard to spot, but they can result in serious medical issues, like Lyme disease, Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever, Babesiosis and Alpha-gal, according to the district.

Blacklegged ticks and Lone Star ticks carry diseases throughout Virginia, often living in forest leaf litter or shaded, grassy areas, the release said.

For resources to help with tick removal, identification and disease information, click here.