I think they're too widespread to bait...although they've been having success with putting tubes of permethrin soaked cotton balls in fields so the mice that the nymphs colonize make nests with them, effectively killing the young ticks. They're also experimenting with immunizing the mice against Lyme by spreading vaccine in oats over fields.

As far as the infection, it initially started as cold/flu symptoms with a red bullseye rash. I was lucky because only 40-60% of people get the rash. I was treated with doxycycline for 3 weeks, and that has been my treatment for the other 3 times I've gotten it as well. I've developed chronic symptoms such as severe fatique, headaches, joint pain, dizziness, blurred vision, tremors, severe sweats/hot flashes, memory loss, etc. and my Lyme MD is closely monitoring my case. He also wants me evaluated for other causes (MS, tumor, etc), so I'm scheduled for an MRI soon. Sidenote I've also been concussed many times skateboarding, snowboarding, biking, and fighting...so that could also be a factor. All in all though, I'm functional...I show up for work every day, hit the gym 4-5 days a week, and stay active. I just learn to live with my symptoms. Some people aren't so lucky though, and Lyme has left them crippled or dying with no real hope for a cure and a diverse group of "medical professionals" with different ideas of causes/cures that may or may not help with symptoms. There was a lyme vaccine, but it was pulled off the market due to possible bad side effects. They're taking another run at the human vaccine in Europe right now, but who knows when/if the all-knowing FDA will ever approve it? Just saw Dallas Buyers Club, and I'll never look at the FDA the same again. I could go on for days about this, but I'll stop here. If you want to read something interesting, look up the Lyme Disease Conspiracy.