Ixodes ticks are common in woody and shaded grassy areas. If you see deer and rodents in your backyard, you may also have ticks. Clearing brush and mowing regularly can help eliminate tick habitats and reduce your chances of exposure to Lyme-carrying ticks. When walking in wooded areas, stay in the center of a cleared trail to avoid touching tick-infested plants. Wearing pants and long sleeves in July can be uncomfortable if you live in a warm climate, but clothing is a good barrier between ticks and your skin.
Ticks are easier to spot on light colored clothing than on dark.
Insect repellants with DEET help keep ticks away, but should be used with caution. DEET can cause unpleasant side effects, especially in children, when it is used on the skin. Permethrin will kill ticks on contact, but should only be used on clothing, not skin. Other pesticides can be sprayed on brush to kill ticks. Always follow the manufacturer's instructions when using pesticides or insect repellants.