Beware tick season

Officials with the Butte County Mosquito and Vector Control District are warning locals to be careful when enjoying the great outdoors this fall, as it is officially tick season. Increased populations of the western black-legged tick, aka the deer tick, have been found during recent surveillance at Bidwell Park as well as Lake Oroville Recreation Area. They are known to carry illnesses, including Lyme disease.

BCMVCD offers some advice when spending time outside, particularly in cool areas covered in grass, shrubs or fallen leaves: stay on trails, wear long pants and sleeves, use insect repellent with at least 20 percent DEET, and thoroughly check yourselves, kids and pets after each outing. Most tick-borne illnesses start with flu-like symptoms.

For more information, including help identifying ticks, call 533-6038 or 342-7350, or visit www.BCMVCD.com.