Where in Arkansas did you live? Here in the northwest corner of the state I can relate to everything you've talked about. I always figured seed ticks were just God's way of reminding us that the Ozarks aren't Heaven, as beautiful as they may be. Seriously, even though its winter, I would love to learn some natural methods of preventing ticks and chiggers from latching on and biting. The old timers' recipes using turpentine, kerosene and sulphur are a mite rough for my tender skin.