I have fought a pretty big battle with insects over the years. They are a pervasive nuisance. The problem gets a lot worse when they are carrying serious diseases.

The best solution is prevention. The old saying is just as true today. An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.

About ticks:

1. In long grass, put some rubber bands over the bottom of your trousers, so they are snug against your boots.
2. Spray down the outside of your clothes with a DEET spray.
3. Use a hat, which stops them dropping into your scalp.
4. Dont stop under trees or bushes. Dont squat beside bushes. Urinate in the open.

Ticks climb up bushes. They wait there. When they smell people or animals - the sweat glands - they drop off the vegetation onto your skin. This is their attack strategy. Defeat the attack.

And yes, when removing these nasty critters, remove the whole tick. Dont leave its head buried in your skin.

All this being said, dont let the fear of ticks ruin your enjoyment of a great day outdoors!

Pete