ST. CLOUD -- It's time to stock up on repellents with DEET because tick season is back in Minnesota.

University of Minnesota Extension Educator Beth Berlin says most of the ticks aren't harmful, but the black-legged tick, also known as deer tick, can transmit serious diseases like Lyme Disease, Babesiosis, Powassan Encephalitis and Human Anaplasmosis.

Berlin says it's important to inspect yourself for ticks after spending time in woodlands and grassy areas.

Black-legged ticks are about the size of a pin-head and can be hard to see.  If you develop symptoms like a bulls-eye type rash, fatigue, chills, headaches, swollen joints, fever or headaches, you should contact your doctor.

Berlin says you should wear light-colored clothing, long sleeves and long pants to help protect you from ticks.

Berlin says it's also important to check children and pets for ticks too.

Repellants with 20%-30% DEET are helpful in keeping ticks at bay.  Also, a repellant called permethrin can be applied to clothing to keep ticks away.  Permethrin actually kills the ticks when they come in contact with it.

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