With current fears of coronavirus infection in crowds, it seems safer to run alone and out of population centers. Our early spring weather is an enticement to hit the trails. Just remember, there are biohazards everywhere and for every season.

Pennsylvania is home to at least 25 species of ticks and is one of the worst states in the nation for Lyme disease-causing blacklegged ticks. Adult ticks are most active in early spring through fall with poppy seed-sized nymphs present in late spring through summer, though ticks can be active anytime temperatures rise above freezing.

Our other common tick is the American dog tick, a larger but equally dangerous disease vector. Dog ticks, more prevalent during summer months, can carry bacteria which causes Rocky Mountain spotted fever, a less common but potentially more serious disease than Lyme.

Anytime you venture into the woods, brush or grassy areas, take precautions to avoid being bitten by these tiny terrors.

According to Consumer Reports testing, top-performing tick repellents for the skin include at least one of three ingredients --- DEET, picaridin or oil of lemon eucalyptus (OLE). All are considered safe, even for children and pregnant women, but Centers for Disease Control recommends not using repellent on infants younger than two months old or products containing OLE on children younger than three years.

DEET was developed by the US Army in 1946 and registered for public use in 1957. Approximately 30 percent of Americans use DEET, available in liquid, lotion, spray and wristbands. CDC considers risks of using DEET products low, but there have been a few reports of skin rashes, low blood pressure, disorientation or seizures. Health risks increase by dose, duration and exposure method.

Consumer Reports recommends a DEET concentration of 30 percent for maximum effectiveness. Less may not repel the bugs while a higher concentration increases risks of overdosing.

Picaridin, a synthetic version of a compound found in black pepper plants, has been used in Europe and Australia since 1998, but approved in the U.S. in 2005. A 20 percent picaridin product works best but, unlike DEET which is effective in lotion, wipes or sprays, picaridin in spray form is most effective. Picaridin is safe, but can irritate skin and eyes.

Oil of Eucalyptus (OLE) is a naturally occurring compound of the gum eucalyptus tree. In Consumer Reports testing, repellents containing 30 percent OLE were very effective against ticks for at least seven hours.

Products containing OLE are relatively safe, though they can cause temporary eye irritation. Unlike products with DEET or picaridin, OLE will not harm clothing containing synthetic materials.

Permethrin, discovered in nature in 1973, is a synthetic compound that acts like a natural extract from chrysanthemum flowers. Ticks exposed to permethrin for one minute are immobilized for as much as 24 hours, with the effects more pronounced on nymphs. Unlike the other repellents, permethrin is used on clothing, not skin.

Permethrin is available in sprays for temporary or home treatments. Specialty treated clothing lasting 70 washings is available at a reasonable price from InsectShield. The company will also treat your favorite clothing items. Check out options at www.insectshield.com.

No matter what your method for prevention, shower as soon as you get out of the woods and do a whole-body scan for ticks as most Lyme infections occurs at least 24 to 48 hours after the initial bite. Toss your clothing in a hot dryer for at least 10 minutes to kill any travelers.

Don’t forget to check your canine companions for ticks. Consult your veterinarian for options in tick repellents for dogs and cats.

If you do find a tick on yourself or Fido, you can remove it carefully. Apply antiseptic and monitor the site for redness or rash. Save the tick for identification if you find you need medical attention.

Upcoming eventsWednesdays, 6:30 p.m.: Mojo Running Group Run, Seven Fields. All levels welcome. 724-772-2808Saturdays, 8 a.m.: Up-N-Running Group Run, Valencia. Meet at All Fit parking lot. All levels including spring marathon training. 724-898-2525.Saturday, 10 a.m.: Kiski Area Shamrock Run 5k, Apollo. 724-244-7999 or susan.feudale@kiskiarea.comSaturday, 10 a.m.: Pi Day 5k Trail Run, Canfield, OH. 330-729-4000, ext. 1505Saturday, 10 a.m.: Judith’s Jig 5k Memorial Run/Walk, Meadville. 814-282-1069 or judithsjig@gmail.comSaturday, 11 a.m.: Ellport Borough Community 5k 70 & Over Championship Race, Ellport. Scenic course, $150 for overall course records, cash prizes for age groups 70-74, 75-79, 80+, post-race pizza. 724-841-6528 or bonnherb@yahoo.comSaturday: Buzzard Day Trail Run, Hinckley, OH. Choice of 25k, 50k or 100k. 330-299-9720March 21, 9 a.m.: Brave American 5k and 10k, Sewickley. runsignup.com/Race/PA/Sewickley/9thAnnualBraveAmericanClassicMarch 21, 10 a.m.: Shamrock Shuffle Half Marathon, 5k Run/Walk and 1 Mile Run/Walk, Harmony. Challenging half marathon, rolling 5k and 1 mile. Goodie bag, food and drinks for all participants. Joella@zoominternet.net March 27, 4-7 P.M.: Annual Sean T. Smith Memorial – Just a Short Run Packet Pick-up, Allison Park. Held at Pro Bike+Run, North Park. 724-719-6833March 28, 8 a.m.: Blair Candy Company Race of Champions 5 Mile Run, 2 Mile Run and 2 Mile Walk, Altoona. Part of YMCA race series. 814-695-4467 or fkopriva@hollidaysburgymca.orgMarch 28, 8:30 a.m.: 20th Annual Sean T. Smith Memorial - Just a Short Run 30k, 8.1 miles, half marathon and 5k, Allison Park. Run around North Park Lake. 724-719-6833 or www.athlinks.comMarch 28, 9:15 a.m.: Barnesville Park/Rotary Lake Trail 5k Walk/Run and Fun Run, Barnesville, OH. Indoor facilities, hooded sweatshirts, hand-crafted trophies. 740-310-2117 or carlkondrach@yahoo.comMarch 28, 10 a.m.: PREP4PITT-3, Sandy Lake. Run 13.1 or 5k. 724-301-6775 or races@mctrails.netMarch 28, 11 a.m.: Share the Love 5k and 10k, Brookville. 814-849-7355 or tinahouseholder@gmail.comMarch 29, 11 a.m.: Sunday Run Days, Springdale. Free 5k or 1 mile fun run/walk and free post run beer (for runners ages 21+) every Sunday at Leaning Cask Brewing Company. Kids, strollers and dogs also welcome. 724-715-7539 or www.leaningcaskbrewing.comApril 4, 10 a.m.: Easter Egg Dash 5k and Bunny Hop 1 Mile and Kids Easter Egg Hunt, Butler. Held at Butler Senior High School. Kaitlyn_reges@butler.k12.pa.usApril 4, 10 a.m.: Fool’s Run 5k and 10k, Indiana. 724-349-0501 or jswauger@comcast.netApril 4, 11 a.m.: Cook Forest Half Marathon & 5k, Cooksburg. Scenic out and back along the Clarion River. 724-554-9511 or www.cookforest.com/marathonApril 11, 9 a.m.: Dirty Kiln Trail Races at Canoe Creek State Park, Hollidaysburg. Choice of rugged trail half marathon or 10k. http://www.alleghenytrailrunners.com/dirty-kiln-trail-race/April 18, 9 a.m.: Boston Trail ½ Marathon and 5k, Elizabeth Township. Run from Boston Trailhead of Yough River Trail on Great Allegheny Passage. 412-780-7802 or thebostontrail.comApril 19, 9 a.m.: Run to Breathe Half Marathon and 5k, Portersville. Run on paved bike path at Moraine State Park. 724-841-6528 or Runsignup.com

Race resultsSpring Thaw 15 Mile, Feb. 22: Kenny Goodfellow, 1st Overall M, 1:25:52; Jamie Grossman, 1st Overall W, 1:42:35; Steve Spang, 1:38:14; Corbin Doane, 1:50:53; Heather Hudak, 1:52:47; Bruce Rohrs, 1:52:52; Kristine Poloyac, 1:59:57; John Fedorko, 2:00:07; Melissa Conjack, 2:03:57; Gregory Reed, 2:08:22; Steve Smith, 2:09:50; Kristin Brown, 2:11:07; Paul Wright, 2:12:52; John Crum, 2:14:09; Amanda Hardt, 2:17:27; Regiane Morgueta, 2:20:16; Leanne Finney, 2:21:25; Mary Morgan, 2:27:49; January Scheidlmeier, 2:28:14; Lauren Kester, 2:36:50; Rita Ciccariello, 2:37:09; Ben Benson, 2:41:44; Amber Spear, 2:49:39; Kristina Roland, 2:55:50; Joe Monaco, 3:04:02; Katherine Colton, 3:06:38; Carrie Frohnapfel, 3:17:13Spring Thaw 20 Mile, Feb. 22: Kenny Goodfellow, 1st Overall M, 1:54:42; Jamie Grossman, 1st Overall W, 2:18:34; Dan Monhemius, 2:13:32; John Rheaume, 2:28:12; Todd Roberts, 2:35:13; Calum Muro, 2:41:51; Sharon Smith, 2:46:53; Dave Convery, 2:59:32; Lori Fromlak, 3:17:04; James Caruso, 3:36:24; Matthew Nicol, 3:43:34; Elizabeth Dickey, 3:54:59Spring Break 8.5, Feb. 29: Ty Reeher, 1st Overall M, 54:20; Christina Stanhope, 1st Overall W, 1:10:54; S Mark Courtney, 1st 60+ M, 1:10:43; Debbie Courtney, 2nd 50-59 W, 1:20:56; Tony Sunseri, 3rd 60+ M, 2:09:45; John Armstrong, 1:19:32; Traci Hanna, 1:21:49; Erin Kohlmeyer, 1:41:40Kiss Me, I’m a Runner 5k, March 7: Steve Knight, 1st Overall M, 18:28; Lenna Birchard, 1st Overall W, 20:26; Kevin Berger, 1st 50-59 M, 20:03; Amanda Temple, 1st 30-39 W, 21:59; Robyn VanDyke, 1st 40-49 W, 22:41; Nicole Khoury, 3rd 40-49 W, 23:43; Terence Ake, 2nd 60-69 M, 25:15; Aubrey Baehr, 1st 20-29 W, 25:50; Cayden Mohler, 3rd 19 & Under M, 25:55; Barbara Ford, 1st 60-69 W, 29:07; Jeffrey Diamond, 1st 70+ M, 31:44; Eric Johnson, 21:38; Caroline Hufnagle, 25:55; Patricia Turley, 27:05; Katie Kovacic, 27:40; Christian Werner, 27:40; Chrystal Zinkham, 27:40; Luke Kovacic, 28:16; Jessica Irwin, 28:20; Nathan Tharnish, 28:20; Erin Foley, 28:49; Tiffany Haddad, 29:03; Emily Toy, 29:16; Wayne Toy, 29:17; Kristen Petrina, 29:28; Kellie Mills, 29:59; Maria Branagan, 30:07; Alena Sigla, 30:23; Julie Cramer, 30:33; Whitney Blankenberg, 30:34; Shaylee Masilunas, 30:36; Meagan Summerville, 31:31; Judy Shaffer, 31:58; Michele Napoletan, 32:11; Carlee Haser, 32:16; Elaine Wissolik, 32:18; Valerie Rieder, 32:19; Christine Black, 32:24; Kim Kapfer, 32:32; Cindy Miller, 32:32; Krista Price, 32:50; Lori Carpenter, 33:32; Lucy Peters, 33:34; Laura Strutz, 33:46; Damien Wissolik, 33:47; Charlene Michaels, 34:21; Tom Shaffer, 34:32; Anthony Noone, 34:37; Maria Feki, 34:38; Chuck Holet, 34:39; Caitlin Harrington, 34:39; Robyn Holz, 34:54; Darren Casher, 35:51; Wendy Collins, 37:22; Tasha Werner, 38:39; Christi Hilliard, 40:42; Kelly Blauser, 40:43; Kristen Yurkovic, 40:59; Nicole Yurkovic, 40:59; Kim Kenetz, 42:30; Lisa Collins, 43:24; Jessica Allenberg, 43:31; Renda Cypher, 53:39Send comments and suggestions: Patricia Neubert. Phone 724-352-4395. Email lotzak@consolidated.netPat Neubert is a running columnist for the Butler Eagle