Lyme disease has become the leading tick-borne illness in the U.S. The deer tick is the species that most often transmits Lyme disease. With proper precautions, Lyme disease is preventable.

Deer ticks are most active from April through October, so exercise additional caution when venturing into tick country. When in a tick-infested area, a good prevention is an insect repellent; however, consider using a product designed to be applied to clothing rather than your skin.

Tuck pants cuffs into boots or socks, and wear long sleeves and light-colored clothing, which makes it easier to spot ticks. Stay to the center of hiking paths, and avoid grassy and marshy woodland areas.

Inspect yourself and your children for clinging ticks after leaving an infested area. Deer ticks are hard to see-nymphs are dot-sized; adults, smaller than sesame seed. If you discover a tick feeding, do not panic: studies indicate that an infected tick does not usually transmit the Lyme organism during the first 24 hours.

If you suspect Lyme disease or its symptoms, particularly the "bulls-eye rash," contact your doctor immediately.

Inspect repellents are available in various forms and concentrations. Aerosol and pump-spray products are intended for skin applications as well as for treating clothing. However, aerosol cans are not permitted at camp. Liquid, cream, lotion, and stick products enable direct skin application. Products with a low concentration of active ingredients may be useful in highly infested areas, or with insect species that are more difficult to repel. Where appropriate, consider non-chemical ways to deter biting insects-screens, netting, long sleeves, and slacks.

-- EPA recommends the following precautions when using insect repellents:

Repellents should be applied only to exposed skin and/or clothing (as directed on the product label). Do not use under clothing.

Never use repellents over cuts, wounds, or irritated skin. Don't apply to eyes and mouth, and apply sparingly around ears. When using sprays, do not spray directly onto face; spray on hands first and then apply to face. Do not allow children to handle these products, and do not apply to children's hands.

When using on children, apply to your own hands and then put it on the child. Do not spray in enclosed areas. Avoid breathing a repellent spray, and do not use it near food.

Use just enough repellent to cover exposed skin and/or clothing. Heavy application and saturation is unnecessary for effectiveness. If biting insects do not respond to a thin film of repellent, apply a bit more.

After returning indoors, wash treated skin with soap and water or bathe. This is particularly important when repellents are used repeatedly in a day or on consecutive days. Also, wash treated clothing before wearing it again. If you suspect that you or your child is reacting to an insect repellent, discontinue use, wash treated skin, and then call your local poison control center. If/when you go to a doctor, take the repellent with you.

You and your doctor can get specific medical information about the active ingredients in repellents and other pesticides by calling the National Pesticide Telecommunications.

Network (NPTN) at 1-800-858-7378. NPTN operates from 9:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. (Eastern Time) seven days a week.