Another Tick

This is the year. The year that we happen to find all the ticks.

I have lived in this house for 8 years and have never seen a tick. But for some reason this year they seem to have found our house. This will be Tick #2 for the year.

My son had a tick on his head last night. I didn't panic (too much) until I just couldn't get it out. I called a neighbor and asked if I could come over for some help. We finally heated a knife and coaxed it's head out of my sons head. My son freaked a little bit, but all is ok. We now have to wait and see if he develops a fever or rash.

And of course, my son being the animal lover that he is, didn't want me to kill the tick! It is now in a plastic baggy in a glass jar sealed very tightly!

Does anyone else have tick problems? Is there something I can spay in the yard that wouldn't harm my dogs? Any help would be appreciated. Thanks!