It’s been reported that this is a bad tick year.

The bacteria responsible for causing Lyme disease is most often transmitted by the blacklegged tick, formerly known as the deer tick.

Lyme disease is a neurological disorder that can cause debilitating long-term effects.

Its signature symptom, a circular red rash at the site of the bite grows over a few weeks, occurs in only 50 percent of infected individuals.

Within two to 10 days, those infected may experience flu-like symptoms including headaches, fever, aching muscles and joints, swollen glands and fatigue.

Though initial Lyme symptoms gradually disappear, if left untreated, secondary symptoms, including migraine, arthritis, dizziness, weakness, irregular heartbeat, memory loss and concentration problems, can appear weeks or months after infection.

The disease can progress to debilitating arthritis, cardiac and nervous system problems years after exposure.

Anyone experiencing symptoms in conjunction with a tick bite should see a physician immediately. Lyme disease can be treated with antibiotics.

Humans are not the only mammals that can play host to blacklegged ticks. Adult ticks are commonly found on white-tailed deer, but they will also attach dogs, cats, cattle, horses and birds.

Domestic animals, including cats and dogs, can become infected and exhibit Lyme disease symptoms.

While waiting for a suitable host, ticks can be found in leaf litter or on low, bushy branches.

Campers, hikers, and outdoor workers are most likely to encounter ticks. Woods and garden-fringe areas of properties can also harbor ticks. Fido may also carry them into lawns and gardens.

How do you know if you have a high tick population?

Sweep or drag a white cloth through your yard’s vegetation and inspect it for ticks. Simply count the number of ticks you find for an estimate of how many there are around.

The best way to reduce your chance of being bitten is to avoid or eliminate environments in which ticks thrive such as wooded, brushy or grassy areas.

The following precautions can help to reduce your risk of infection when outdoors:

• Cover your body as much as possible. Wear long pants, a long-sleeved shirt, a hat, socks, and closed shoes.

• Tie or tuck the bottom of pants legs into boots or pull socks up over them.

• Wear light-colored clothing so it will be easy to see ticks.

• Spray clothing with a commercial insect/tick repellant.

• Put tick repellant collars on pets.

After returning from outdoors:

• Remove and wash clothing immediately.

• Shower and inspect your body for ticks.

• Inspect children and pets for ticks.

There are many tick repellants, with DEET probably being the most effective.

In order to use an insect repellant safely, be sure to read the product label and follow all directions. These products offer varying degrees of protection for different lengths of time. Some last all day. Others last only a few hours.

Factors such as weather, perspiration and washing can affect the protective abilities of insect repellants.

Enjoy the outdoors. Just take some precautions to reduce your chances of contracting Lyme disease.

“Growing Green” is contributed by Diane Dorn, Lehigh County Extension Office Staff, and Master Gardeners. Information: Lehigh County Extension Office, 610-391-9840; Northampton County Extension Office, 610-813-6613