Once I thought I had a tick on my balls, then I realized it was just my dick.
Anyhow, I've been in some tick infested areas on missions. For Lyme disease it's really the deer ticks you have to watch out for, their body is about the size of a pin. Science supposedly says that they have to be attached to you for around 24hrs (look that up to check that) for you to get Lyme. I think that you get a red ring, but that may just be from a tick bite. Other ticks can still carry nasty shit though, so it's in your interest to break out the tick spray before venturing out. This year I'm trying out this shit (permethrin):
Supposedly safe for human use once dry. You spray your clothes and let dry, then it's good for several washes. Look it up. Did my shoes, pants, backpack for now.
As for removing ticks, I've had to remove a few from the dog, and from myself once or twice. Best method I've found is to simply roll it around in circles, maybe reverse directions here or there. Takes a minute or so, but the tick will back itself out so you don't have to worry about burning yourself or leaving part of it behind in your skin.