Tricks On Removing Ticks Before Tanning?

I was wondering if anyone had any good advice about how to deal with hides that may have ticks, fleas, etc? I know freezing doesn't always kill the nasty little critters and I'd like to avoid getting Lyme disease. I was thinking about dusting the hide's fur side with diatomaceous earth before salting but was curious to see if anyone else had something they used.