A lot of very accurate information here. I've commented on this before, but it's always worth mentioning again. YES...very serious disease. I think NY and PA lead the country in cases....I'm in NY. My buddy's 14 yr. old daughter had to use a walker for a while, my wife's friend had a hip replacement at 50 because the lyme 'settled' in her hip joint and deteriorated that area. Shania Twain has had it for twenty years with very, very serious issues. YES...the 0.5% PERMETHRIN spray works great!! I get mine right at WAL MART in the sporting section. I am also a magnet but have had none on me during deer hunting season since I started using this three years ago. Previously, had gotten two good bites, but fortunately no problems. I wear shorts when detecting in the summer, so I still get them, but I'm checking myself all the time. You can still get them in the dead of winter, especially if walking through golden rod. And yes, the possums eat them regularly. I think you all get the idea...take care!!!!