While going on vacation this summer, there’s one souvenir you won’t want to bring home with you.

Ticks are most active during the warmer months, and if bitten, ticks can transmit illnesses like Lyme disease, southern tick-associated rash illness, and Rocky Mountain spotted fever. Symptoms include fever, aches and pains, rashes, and can be severe enough to require hospitalization. Guthrie County Public Health Director Jotham Arber advises how to avoid ticks this summer, “With ticks, just making sure that when you’re walking in the woods that you’re staying on trails. Ticks like to live in busy areas and so not walking through a lot of foliage is important. And if you do, if you go out there, just making sure you’re checking yourself for ticks.”

Other ways to avoid ticks include treating outdoor clothing and gear with products including permethrin and DEET. After being outside, Arber recommends showering, and checking your body, clothing, gear, and pets for ticks. If a tick is found on your skin, use tweezers to remove and thoroughly clean the bite area and your hands with rubbing alcohol or soap and water.