Ticks have no means of locomotion except crawling. Since they feed on hosts that are much larger than they are, ticks must climb up tall weeds or fences to wait for their food sources. Ticks locate their prey through vibrations or odors and can prepare to jump on the host when it passes by.
When you are out in the woods, be sure to check for ticks on yourself and your pets. Have a friend perform a “tick check” to ensure there are no ticks on the back of your head or clothing. Ticks are extremely small, so be sure to look deep in your animal's fur and your clothing.
If a tick bites you, seek medical attention as soon as possible. If you find a tick on your pet, remove it carefully.
Removing a tick can be done easily. Take a pair of small-tipped tweezers and grasp the tick firmly below the head. Pull directly away from your skin and try to get the complete tick. If the head is left behind, the tick can still transmit disease. Wash the area with soap and water and throw the tick away.
Do not try to light a match under a tick or smother it in petroleum jelly or nail polish remover. These methods can cause the tick to dig in deeper and can also cause you harm.
If there is any concern about the type of tick or if it was carrying a disease, preserve the tick in a damp paper towel for identification. Seek medical help if any symptoms develop, including a rash around the bite area.
Ticks are very small and difficult to spot, especially in their early life stages, so make sure you do a complete check of yourself and your companions after a hike.