Tips for tick season in East Tennessee

KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (WVLT) -- Tick season is back and booming in East Tennessee. Mild winter and an increase in the number of deer is to blame for the rise in the tick population.

Will Bullard with Dayton's Pest Control said anyone planning on getting outside this summer should be aware of the little parasites and stay tick-free with the following tips.

"In your back yard and your front yard, make sure that the lawn is mowed short,"

said Bullard.

"The longer the grass, the more likely you may have a more abundance of ticks."

Other tricks from Bullard include tucking your pants into your socks and treating your lawn and pets, as well as wearing skin-safe insecticides.

The pest control company said if you do get bitten by a tick, try removing it with a pair of tweezers by aiming for the head/mouth of the tick and pulling upward.

"Be really careful. You want to get the mouth parts and the appendages off in one piece,"

said Bullard.

After the whole tick is removed, experts said to wash the bite with soap and water or an alcohol wipe.

Dr. Gary Hurt, the Assistant Medical Director of UT Medical Center's Emergency Department said that if you have any side effects such as nausea, headache, fever, or a skin rash within a week of the bite, seek medical attention as soon as possible.