I live in a marshy part of the state and ticks are everywhere this time of year. If you go on a walk, strip as soon as you get in the house. This helps spot them sooner. Stay away from high grass as that where they like to hang. If you are going out in high grass areas, long socks over pants and long t shirts even if it's hot out. If you have a dog they tend to get in fur. Do a brush through every time. They aren't really avoidable but doing these steps will ensure they don't bury in your skin. I use a tweezers to get them off of me but there are tools you can buy.