As the weather warms up, Lake County Health Department officials are reminding residents that ticks carrying Lyme disease have been found in Lake County.

Last year, the Lake County Health Department, in conjunction with the county Forest Preserve District and North Park University in Chicago, conducted a series of tick surveys throughout the county.

The surveys confirmed the presence of deer ticks, and 37 percent tested positive for the pathogen.

"Now that we know that deer ticks in Lake County are carrying Lyme disease, it is even more important to take steps to avoid them," said Dale Galassie, executive director of the department.

There are two known species of ticks in Lake County, the American dog tick (sometimes called the wood tick) and the deer tick. Dog ticks are one-quarter of an inch long as adults, much smaller as juveniles, and are dark reddish-brown with irregular silvery or cream-colored patterns on their back. Dog ticks do not carry Lyme disease, but may carry other diseases.

Deer ticks are much smaller, about ...

To avoid ticks, stay on trails in forest preserves and parks; wear light-colored, protective clothing; use a repellent containing DEET; check yourself regularly; keep grass and weeds at home cut short.

The Health Department offers the following tips for avoiding ticks:

• Avoid tick habitat by staying on trails when in forest preserves and parks.

• Wear light-colored, protective clothing, such as long-sleeved shirts, long trousers, boots or sturdy shoes, and a head covering. Tuck trouser cuffs in socks and tuck in shirt tails.

• Apply insect repellent containing DEET primarily to clothes. Apply sparingly to exposed skin. Do not apply repellent directly to the face. Be sure to wash treated skin after coming indoors. Always follow label directions and supervise children in the use of repellents.

• Walk in the center of trails so plants do not brush against you.

• Check yourself, children and other family members every two to three hours for ticks.

• If your pets spend time outdoors, regularly check them for ticks, too. Prompt removal of ticks helps to prevent infection.

• Keep grass and weeds around home yard areas short.

To find and remove ticks:

• Check the skin and clothing of anyone that has been in grassy areas for an extended period. Pay extra attention to the neck, behind the ears and the groin.

• Use fine-tipped tweezers or shield your fingers with a tissue when removing a tick. Do not burn the tick with a match or cover it with petroleum jelly.

• Grasp the tick close to the skin surface and pull upward with slow, even pressure. Do not twist or pull the tick quickly; this causes the mouthparts to break off and remain in the skin. Do not squeeze the tick's body.

• Once the tick is removed, disinfect the bite site and wash your hands with soap and water.

• Make a note of the date you removed the tick and save it for identification in case you become ill. Place the tick in a plastic bag and put it in your freezer.