Last modified: Friday, June 19, 2009 1:15 AM EDT A magnified look at the adult female deer tick. (Photo courtesy of the URI Tick Encounter Resource Center) It's tick season, so be careful BY FELICIA CONNOLLY ATTLEBORO HIGH SCHOOL No one likes ticks. They're gross, hard to see and, worst of all, dangerous. Parents always tell their children to beware of high grass and be wary of small bumps that could be ticks, but they themselves often do not have proper knowledge of the topic. "Tick season should be taken very seriously. Tick born diseases can cause acute and chronic illnesses," said Attleboro High School nurse Cindy Ennes. Ticks commonly carry Lyme disease, also known as "the great masquerader" due to its ability to mimic many other diseases. It is an ailment that affects almost every system in the body including respiratory and neurological. The most common symptoms of Lyme disease are fatigue, sore throat, jaw pain, an increase in allergic reactions, changes in skin (dryness for example), weight gain or loss, and flu-like symptoms. Other symptoms can include anything from shortness of breath and chest pain to mood swings and anxiety. To learn more about these symptoms visit Natcaplyme.org, which is the site of the National Capital Lyme and Tick-Borne Disease Association. It is important to avoid high grass and brush as much as possible, but in cases when you can't, there are methods of preventing ticks. Light, long clothing tucked into socks and hair tied back will help stop ticks from finding a place to latch onto. After being outside in tick-infested areas, put clothes in a dryer set on high heat for about an hour. Always do routine tick checks to avoid having a tick for a prolonged period of time. When a tick is found, there is a right and wrong way to remove it. The best way is with tweezers; this will prevent the tick's head from coming off and remaining in the skin. Put the tick in a plastic zip-lock bag or bottle and label it with the name of the victim and the date. Then wash your hands and the tweezers thoroughly. If sickness occurs, take the tick in to be analyzed. Another method is to draw the tick out with heat from a match. Either putting the heat source near or on the tick will lead the tick to be drawn to the heat and retract its legs. Ticks can be very dangerous and they're common this season. Be cautious when outside and always seek treatment if symptoms appear.