Obviously, the best way to minimize tick hassles is to avoid getting bitten in the first place. If you're walking through grassy areas, use a string or rubber band to close your pant legs around your socks. Lacking a rubber band, you can tuck your pant legs into your socks. Some experts recommend applying a strong bug repellent containing DEET is useful, although others claim this chemical is too toxic for human use. If you're walking through an area with a lot of overhanging greenery, wear a hat. Remember, ticks generally drop down onto their new host.

2torial #0512: Learn2 Remove a Tick (Continued) Perform the "Patient Pull" Don't hurry this step, even if you find it distasteful. Just be patient and thorough. Using the tweezers, grasp the tick as close to the surface of the skin as possible. Then pull. Not enough to risk separating the body from the head--just enough to see the skin begin to pucker at the point of entry. Take care not the crush the tick, or even squeeze it any more than necessary. You're now applying sufficient pressure to convince the tick that it's time to vacate the premises. If you can maintain this position for anywhere from several seconds to a minute or two, it should finally remove its grip. You don't need to rotate the tick, although a little gentle side-to-side motion may be called for. Step 3