One hears that if you get the tick off within a day, they can't infect you, but I'm not convinced that's true. The faster you find them, the better though. I've heard that if your immune system is strong, it can overcome the Lyme virus before it can take hold. Not sure about that, either. I just got some 10" boots so I can tuck my pants in (rubber band my cuffs, too.) With the taller boots I can pull the cuffs up, then pull the excess down over the boot tops to keep wood chips out. I've been using Repel Lemon Eucalyptus pump spray. Stinks, but I think it works to some degree.I pulled it off and threw it out, I didn't think twice because I thought it was only on me for a couple hours