If you live in a rural area surrounded by forests, fields, or just nature in general, chances are you’ve come across ticks at some point. Depending on where you live, you might even deal with them regularly. These tiny arachnids are notorious for feeding on the blood of mammals, birds, and just about any creature they can latch onto. And while a tick bite won’t cause you to bleed to death, the real danger lies in the diseases these pests can carry and transmit to humans and animals.

Most people have heard that ticks can spread serious illnesses. Some of the more well-known diseases include Lyme disease, Rocky Mountain spotted fever, and babesiosis. These illnesses are transmitted through the saliva of an infected tick when it bites. Although you may not be familiar with all of them, take this as a warning: they can seriously impact your health if not caught and treated in time. The effects can be long-lasting, and in some cases, even life-threatening. That’s why prevention is so critical.

So how can you avoid tick bites in the first place? There’s no foolproof method to completely prevent ticks from coming into contact with you, especially if you spend a lot of time outdoors. However, there are some smart steps you can take to reduce the risk. Wear long sleeves and pants when walking through tall grass or wooded areas. Use insect repellent that’s effective against ticks, and try to stay on clear paths rather than venturing into dense vegetation. After spending time outside, do thorough tick checks on yourself, your children, and your pets.

Now, if you do happen to find a tick on your body, the most important thing is to remove it quickly and properly. Don’t just grab it with your fingers and yank it out. Doing so may separate the tick’s body from its head, which could remain embedded in your skin and cause an infection. Instead, use a pair of fine-tipped tweezers or forceps. Get as close to the skin as possible and gently pull the tick out in a slow, steady motion. Avoid twisting or squeezing the tick during removal, as this could cause the tick to expel its stomach contents into your bloodstream—something you definitely don’t want.

Once the tick is removed, you’ll need to dispose of it carefully. Tossing it into the trash may seem like a good idea, but it’s not always enough to ensure it won’t come into contact with a human or animal again. The safest option is to place the tick in a sealed plastic bag or a container with a secure lid. You can also wrap it in tissue and flush it down the toilet. Some people choose to keep the tick for identification purposes, especially if they start developing symptoms of a tick-borne illness later. If the tick was found on your pet, your veterinarian may even ask to see it to determine the type and whether further treatment is needed.

Speaking of pets, it’s vital to regularly check your furry companions for ticks, especially if they spend time outside. Ticks are more active during the warmer months, but that doesn’t mean they disappear in winter. Some species can survive freezing temperatures, so it’s important to stay vigilant year-round. When inspecting your pet, focus on areas like the ears, armpits, between the toes, skin folds, and around the groin. Run your hands over their body to feel for any small bumps, which could be ticks that have attached themselves to your pet’s skin. Catching them early helps reduce the chance of the tick feeding for long or transmitting disease.

Keeping your pet tick-free also protects you and your household. Pets can carry ticks indoors, where they may eventually latch onto you or a family member. That’s why it’s worth making tick checks part of your routine, just like brushing or feeding your pet. You’ll be doing everyone in your home a favor.

Now, let’s talk about what to look out for if you think a tick has bitten you. One of the earliest signs of Lyme disease is flu-like symptoms—things like chills, fever, muscle aches, and fatigue. You may also experience joint pain. Another telltale sign is a bullseye-shaped rash that appears around the site of the bite. This red circular rash isn’t always present, but when it is, it’s a strong indicator of infection. Other tick-borne illnesses may cause similar symptoms, so it’s essential to monitor how you feel after a bite.

If you notice any of these symptoms—especially within a few days or weeks of finding a tick on your body—seek medical attention right away. Don’t take the wait-and-see approach. The earlier you catch a tick-borne illness, the more likely you are to recover without serious complications. Your doctor can perform tests to determine whether you’ve been infected and prescribe antibiotics or other treatments to help you recover.

Ticks may be small, but the threats they pose are very real. They don’t just ruin hikes or outdoor fun—they can change lives. But by taking precautions, staying informed, and acting quickly when you find a tick, you can protect yourself, your loved ones, and your pets. Don’t let these tiny parasites have a big impact on your life. Be proactive, stay aware, and treat tick bites with the seriousness they deserve. Prevention, after all, is always easier than cure.