SHERIDAN (WNE) — With spring approaching, the Sheridan County Weed and Pest District urges residents and visitors to take steps to avoid tick bites and tick-borne diseases.

Ticks capable of transmitting Colorado Tick Fever are known to be present in Sheridan County, and residents are encouraged to be aware of the measures to protect themselves from exposure to ticks and potential bites.

Pathogens that cause diseases such as Colorado Tick Fever, Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever and tick paralysis can be spread when an infected tick bites a host. Hosts include humans, pets and other mammals, birds, reptiles and amphibians.

Simple steps to prevent tick bites include the following:

• Apply EPA-registered insect repellent containing DEET, Picaridin, IR3535, Oil of lemon eucalyptus (OLE), Para-menthane-diol (PMD), or 2-undecanone.

• Wear loose-fitting, long clothing including long sleeves and long pants. Tuck pants into socks for extra protection.

• Ticks live in grassy, brushy or wooded areas. Walk in the center of trails to prevent contact with ticks.

• Conduct a full body tick check after being outdoors.

• Showering within two hours of coming indoors can reduce the risk of tick-borne diseases by washing off unattached ticks, and it is a good time to conduct a tick check.

• Tumble dry clothes on high heat for 10 minutes to kill ticks on dry clothing.

• Talk to your vet about tick prevention products for your dog.

Check your pets for ticks daily. Do not apply tick prevention products to your cat without first talking to your vet.

• Remove an attached tick as soon as possible to prevent or reduce pathogen transmission. Use fine-point tweezers to remove the tick in a steady motion then clean the area with rubbing alcohol or soap and water.