Jeri, that's what I was planning on doing -- at least as soon as I locate a spare spray bottle that can be dedicated to the task.

Eliza, the bulls-eye rash doesn't always happen, but the effects include flu-like symptoms, joint pain and neurological damage (including meningitis). The longer the tick is on your skin, the more likely you are to get Lyme disease. And you'll need to get antibiotics ASAP. Untreated you can end up with chronic joint inflammation (Lyme arthritis), particularly of the knee, neurological symptoms, such as facial palsy and neuropathy, impaired memory, and heart rhythm irregularities.

Thank goodness there are tests because the symptoms can be very iffy and hard to diagnose, but the long-term damage can be permanent.

We have a local musician/entomologist (Alan Eaton) who has written a folk "rap" called "We're the Ticks" that is not only a very entertaining song (the regulars at The Press Room session love it), but is also very informative. (And you have to pay attention because sometimes he hands out quizes.)

Linn