Ticks are harmless insects which can carry Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever and Lyme Disease. Since it is unlikely that the tick will give you this germ until four hours after it is attached, it is important to inspect oneself every four hours in wooded areas. A tick should be removed without crushing, since this might force the infection into you. If the tick has dug in, cover it with a hydrocarbon such as Vaseline, fingernail polish or alcohol. Any symptoms, especially headache, flu-like illness, fever or rash, should be reported to me immediately if they appear within 8 days.