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Now is the time of year to be on the lookout for disease carrying insects.  Washington County Naturalist Pam Holz says to be on the lookout for ticks.  She says deer ticks are harder to notice because they are smaller.  Deer ticks spread Lyme disease that affects the skin, nervous system, heart and joints and most of those cases occur in the months of June and July.

It is recommended to wear long clothing, socks and shoes, and cover yourself with insect spray that works for ticks.  You should also check for ticks immediately after an outing.

If you should find one, remove it with tweezers.  In some cases, early symptoms of Lyme disease include a large circular rash at the site of the tick bite, accompanied by chills, fever, headache, fatigue, stiff neck, swollen glands, and joint pain.  For more information on how to treat tick bites, contact Washington County Public Health.