Summer is the season of the tick, when these pests are in full swing.  Not only are they out in abundance, but humans and pets are also spending more times outdoors in tick-prone areas.  The majority of tick encounters are harmless, but because these pests carry several serious diseases, ticks should be handled with proper care and caution.

Chances are you’ve probably heard of dozens of suggestions of how to remove a tick.  Unfortunately, many of these tactics can actually cause more harm or increase your chances of contracting a tick-borne disease.  One common misconception is that heat should be applied to the tick in some way to cause it to release its grip.  Continue reading →