(BPT) - Beautiful fall days captivate many people, offering a burst of color as the leaves change and cooler temperatures that encourage outdoor adventures. However, as you're outside enjoying the splendor, it's important to be aware of a pest you may not be thinking of - ticks.

Despite popular belief that cooler weather takes care of outdoor pests, ticks actually have two active times of year - first in early spring and second in the fall - during warming temperatures and higher humidity. However, in some parts of the country, ticks can be active year-round if temperatures are warm enough, so check out the CDC's Tick Bite Tracker, which approximates tick activity based on emergency room visits.

No matter what time of year it is, many people are still unclear about where ticks can be found. In a survey* for OFF!^® by The Harris Poll, three in four Americans (75%) said they know ticks typically live in wooded areas, but only half (51%) understand that the areas they frequent even more, like backyards, may also be susceptible to ticks. This poses a risk, as the deer tick (aka black-legged tick or Ixodes scapularis) can potentially carry Lyme disease. Despite this risk, only a third (31%) of Americans consistently take measures to protect themselves from ticks, according to the same survey.

"Tick bites and the pathogens they could transmit can be serious," said Dr. Anita Patel, a pediatric critical care doctor in the Washington, DC, area, where ticks are prevalent. "Unfortunately, I have cared for too many patients who have experienced Lyme disease and the complications that come with it."

According to Patel, one of the most challenging aspects of Lyme disease is that "early" signs and symptoms generally don't show up until three days, and can sometimes take up to 30 days, after a tick bite. While the most common symptom is a bullseye-shaped rash with a clear center called erythema migrans, that tell-tale sign isn't always present. Other symptoms can include fever, chills, fatigue, headache, muscle and joint aches and swollen lymph nodes - which are also common symptoms of many other conditions.

The best way to help protect yourself and your children against Lyme disease is to prevent bites from ticks that might be carrying it, Patel advised. Here are her tips to protect yourself so you can get the most out of the oncoming fall weather:

Use a tick repellent. An effective repellent like OFF!^® Deep Woods^® Insect Repellent V Tick Aerosol is formulated with 25% DEET to provide long-lasting protection from ticks and other pests like mosquitoes, black flies, sand flies, chiggers and gnats. This aerosol spray ensures easy application, so you can enjoy the outdoors uninterrupted. "Vector-borne diseases, especially Lyme disease, has been at the top of my mind because my family likes to enjoy the cooler weather," said Patel. "That's why we always put on OFF!^® Deep Woods^® Insect Repellent V whenever we go outdoors to help protect ourselves from mosquitoes, ticks and other pests."

Dress to protect. When walking in the woods or even relaxing in the park or backyard, wear long socks and pants to prevent ticks from reaching your skin.

Check for ticks. After being outside, always check for ticks on yourself, your family and your pets. Ticks like warm, tucked-away places that are tricky for you to get to and can sometimes be as small as a poppy seed. These areas include but are not limited to behind your knees, between your toes and on your waistband, so do a thorough check.

Get kids involved in protection early. Adults know preventing tick bites is important, but making kids aware and interested can be tough. A positive experience while using a repellent is key to getting buy-in from your kids. "As a parent and a pediatrician, my biggest advice is to use an effective product that feels good on your skin!" said Patel. "My family likes picaridin-based products, such as the OFF!^® Clean Feel Insect Repellent I Aerosol, because it doesn't feel sticky on their skin." OFF!^® repellents, including OFF!^® FamilyCare Insect Repellent I, are formulated with various active ingredients that are EPA-approved to help protect you from ticks, mosquitoes and other biting insects no matter your preference.

With these tips in mind, you can be sure to take advantage of the beautiful fall weather, knowing you are protected! For more information, check out the CDC guidance** on preventing tick bites. If you would like to learn more about OFF!^® brand's various products, head to OFF.com.

* This survey was conducted online within the United States by The Harris Poll on behalf of OFF! from March 28-April 1, 2024, among 2,066 adults ages 18 and older, among whom 1,392 are dog/cat owners.

** Although the CDC/EPA does not recommend a specific brand or product, they do recommend the use of DEET and other approved active ingredients to repel mosquitoes.