Are ticks really that bad? How do you deal with them?

[RustyPine17]

I've always heard that ticks are dangerous, but I'm curious if there's any good side to them. What has your experience been? How do you handle them after a day outdoors?

 

[Saculmot]

I almost died from Lyme Disease about 15 years ago. Doc said if I'd waited two more days I'd have kicked the bucket. Ticks are no joke. It all started with a tick in my leg and I just picked it off and flushed it just as I'd done for years. That big circular rash is a dead giveaway. If you ever get that, get to a doctor. A competent doctor. I had gone to one before I went to the ER and he just blew it off. Sent me home to die.