Tick Season Could Be Nasty This Year In Oklahoma

By Dan Davis, News9.com

TULSA, Oklahoma -- It's been a nice winter to get out outside and enjoy the weather, but pests like ticks like it, too.

Oklahoma entomologists are saying this upcoming tick season could be horrific.

The most common place to find ticks is in wooded and high brush areas. For example, your pets could be tick carriers.

The best prevention is to avoid these places, but realistically, that's probably not going to happen.

Entomologists offer some practical steps you can take to avoid tick problems.

Check your skin regularly, especially if you see a rash that looks like a bull's eye. After hiking, shower quickly and throw your clothes in the washer on high heat.

One of the biggest concerns is Lyme disease, a dangerous infection that ticks carry.

The bull's eye rash is one of the ways to tell that you might have it. Also, fatigue, headaches, fever, chronic joint pain, and heart problems.

Unfortunately, Lyme disease can take months to show, but if it's caught early, doctors say it can be treated with antibiotics.

The Oklahoma State Department of Health has more information about Lyme disease.

And how do you remove a tick? There are a lot of old wives tales out there, but the Center for Disease Control says use tweezers, and pull straight up, slowly and steadily.

And make sure to clean the bite area with rubbing alcohol afterwards.

The Oklahoma Poison Control Center has more information on Lyme disease and how to remove a tick safely.