Yeah, plenty of stuff on the removal dilemma - we can never seem to agree on the best method, and I'm not opening that can o'worms again...
As for where you're likely to encounter them, they always seem to be particularly prevalent in / on bracken and long grass where there's animals around, particularly sheep and deer. While there is no guaranteed fool-proof defense, long trousers, stout boots and gaiters do seem to help to discourage the little blighters.
Wandering through a deep patch of bracken, wearing shorts, in sheep country, is about the worst.
If you think you're in tick country, it's well worth getting into the habit of checking yourself over every night before going to bed. They are pretty good at attaching themselves unnoticed - although once you've had a few bites you seem to become much better at detecting them. These days, I usually feel them before they even bite.
I know lots of people are worried about Lyme disease. While it is a pretty nasty bug, and it is becoming more prevalent, don't panic. Tick bites are a more-or-less inevitable consquence of playing outdoors, and your chances of contracting Lyme are fairly small. I've had
loads of tick bites, and I seem to be OK so far...
The important thing is to remove any ticks you do get as quickly and cleanly as possible.
Now here's a tick question that I don't think we've covered before: what do you do when the inevitable eventually happens, and you stuff up a tick removal, leaving the head and mouthparts of the vile parasite embedded in your flesh? My usual approach is to dig out the offending matter with a sterilised scalpel or needle, then liberally apply antiseptic to the area, along with a dressing if I feel it's needed. I suspect this sort of thing is frowned upon in medical circles, but I can't think of a better option (assuming you're not within easy reach of your GP). Thoughts, anyone?
