The Year of the Tick

Why This Year’s Tick Season Might Be the Worst in Years and How to Protect Yourself

A tick(ing) time bomb is set to explode this season, in fields, forests and yards across the country, as we head into what is expected to be an extremely heavy tick season. And with ticks, come the dangers of tick-borne disease, namely Lyme disease.

Health and insect experts are calling it a perfect storm of conditions coming together to create a tick population explosion with the mild winter. Specifically, the mild winter has allowed ticks, much like other insects to thrive and emerge earlier than usual.

In addition, the blacklegged (deer) tick population also increased because ticks had an abundance of mice to feed on when they hatched. However, this spring those same ticks will be looking for their next blood meal and since mice will be in short-supply, the ticks will turn to the next best thing – humans!

Tick Prevention for You (and Your Pets)

Ticks are small and can be easy to miss, especially if they’ve latched themselves onto a hairy pet or a spot on a human that’s hard to reach or see, such as the top of the head or back.

Ticks are more prevalent in tall grass and wooded areas inhabited by large animals, such as deer. If hiking through the woods, remember to walk in the center of trails to avoid ticks. While most people may be aware of deer ticks, which carry Lyme disease and are found in the Northeast region of the country, it’s important to remember that different species of ticks are found across the U.S. and that they carry a variety of other diseases.

Before heading out, dress in long sleeves and pants and consider tucking pant legs into socks, especially if you will be walking in tall grass or wooded areas. Also, use a tick repellant containing DEET, following the manufacturer’s instructions. For prolonged outdoor activities such as camping, look for clothing and camping gear that is treated with permethrin.

Upon returning home from a walk through the woods, time in the garden or camping, it’s important to perform a thorough tick check – from head to toe. If you find a tick on your body, remove it with a slow, steady pull so as not to break off the mouthparts and leave them in the skin. Then wash hands and bite site thoroughly with soap and water. Flush ticks down the toilet or wrap them tightly in tissue before disposing in a closed receptacle. If you suspect a tick bite, seek medical attention as soon as possible.

Interesting Tick Facts

5 Little-known Facts Related to Ticks

It’s summertime, which means more sunshine and more time outdoors playing, hiking and exploring nature. Unfortunately, this can also mean more quality time with some of nature’s most nefarious pests. Ticks, which are commonly encountered in tall grass and wooded areas, are one such notorious pest. And it’s important to make sure that you protect yourself and your family.

Although small in size, ticks can cause big problems by spreading dangerous diseases like Lyme disease and Rocky Mountain spotted fever. So, before heading outdoors this summer, check out the following little-known facts about ticks to learn more about these biting buggers.

Ticks are not insects.

It’s true. Ticks are not insects, although they are often mistaken for them. Ticks are actually classified as arachnids, or relatives of spiders, scorpions and mites. If you look closely at a tick when identifying it, it kind of resembles a spider with its four pairs of legs and lack of antennae.
Ticks are mini, real-life vampires… They want to suck your blood.

Did you know that ticks require a blood meal to survive. That’s right! Ticks require blood for sustenance. Blacklegged ticks, for example, primarily feed on the blood of white-tailed deer, but they will also bite mice, small wild animals, birds and humans.
Ticks are daredevils.

Ticks don’t jump or fly. Instead, they crawl up low brush or grass to find a host. Then, they clasp on with their back legs and reach their front legs out to grab onto a passing animal or human. This process is called questing. Sometimes, they even drop from their perch and free fall onto a passing host. Talk about a risky move!
Ticks are dog lovers, too.

Some ticks species, like the American dog tick and brown dog tick, prefer dogs as hosts. Unfortunately, dogs are often easy targets when playing in the yard or going for a walk in wooded areas. If you’re a pet owner, don’t forget to check FIDO frequently for ticks, especially after walks or playtime, and regularly wash bedding and plush toys. If you have an indoor/outdoor cat, be sure to check it regularly for ticks too.
When it comes to feeding, ticks are in it for the long haul.

Unlike many other biting pests, ticks are adapted to feed for long periods of time. They bury their curved teeth deeply into the skin of a host, so they can remain securely attached for days on end to eat. It’s important to note that ticks typically require 24-48 hours of feeding before they can successfully transmit infections like Lyme disease, so prompt removal is crucial.

Information from the National Pest Management Association