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It's tick season and a southern species has made its way to our area


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The warmer months and humidity can attract unwanted pests. As more people are active outside, so are ticks.

Now, a southern species of tick has made its way north. The Lone Star Tick is known for causing allergies to red meat. Sometimes based on a person's biology, they can become allergic to other meats too.

There are several ways to prevent getting ticks. The first thing people should know is where ticks like to live. Ticks enjoy humidity and dark places like, tall grass and shrubs. Even hiding on your body in dark, hidden places. Like near your waistline, near your ears, and under your arms.

To keep ticks from latching onto your clothes, officials say wear hard-to-grip clothing like rain gear and rain boots.

"Tuck in your pants, spray your feet and ankles with bug spray and your 90-percent of the way there," Nate Fuller, Sarett Nature Center Executive Director said.

Officials say usually if a ticks is on you, they probably haven't bit you yet. In that case, you want to flick the tick off as soon as possible. Ticks take at least an hour before they latch and bite. If a tick does bite you, they must be feeding for at least 24-hours. That's when their bacteria can affect you.

If you are concerned, the best thing to do is contact your doctor.

WSBT 22's Taylor Gattoni has the story above.

Facebook: @taylorgattonitv

Twitter: @GattoniTaylorTV

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