If you've ever spent time outdoors in New England. you're probably familiar with ticks and the concerns that come with them. Although they've become almost a year-round problem thanks to milder winters, springtime kicks off prime tick season in our neck of the woods. This Tick Awareness Week, take a moment to brush up on your tick knowledge.
Common Ticks
There are over 800 species of tick in the world, but there are a few that you're likely to run into in Massachusetts. Most common are:
Deer Tick: One of the most common ticks in the United States, the deer tick is also the smallest in North America. Despite its small stature, a bite from a deer tick can pack a real punch: this tick is known for transmitting Lyme disease, anaplasmosis, and babesiosis.
Dog Tick: In contrast to the deer tick, the dog tick, also known as a wood tick, is the largest common tick in the Northeast. Don't let the name fool you - dog ticks can also transmit diseases to humans, such as Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever and tularemia.
Lone Star Tick: A relatively new resident of New England, the lone star tick can be identified by a white dot on the back of the female and white streaks or spots on the male. A lone star tick bite can result in Alpha-Gal Syndrome, an allergy to red meat and other animal products.
Tick Borne Illnesses and Symptoms
In the United States, ticks can carry over 30 diseases, including Lyme disease, babesiosis, anaplasmosis, tularemia, Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever, ehrlichiosis, and Powassan virus, to name a few. Symptoms of tick borne illness can include fever, chills, headaches, muscle and joint pain, fatigue, nausea, and rash.
Safe Tick Removal
As a general rule, the sooner you safely remove a tick after being bitten, the lower your risk of infection (but there are no guarantees).
- Use fine point tweezers to grasp the tick as close to the head as possible
- Pull the tick straight out, without wiggling or twisting, until the head is removed
- Clean the area with soap and water or rubbing alcohol
- Dispose of the tick in the toilet or in a covered trash can, wrapped in tissue
Bite Prevention
When spending time outdoors, reduce your risk of tick bites:
- Wear long sleeves and pants, tucked into tall socks if possible. Opt for light colors to make ticks easier to spot
- Use EPA-approved repellents and consult your veterinarian for the best options for pets
- Avoid brush and tall grass; stick to the center of trails when hiking
- Perform thorough body checks and check your outdoor gear and any pets that go outside with you
- Shower and change clothes as soon as possible after coming inside
- Wash clothes in hot water
The bottom line is, ticks are much more than a nuisance, but with the right precautions, you can significantly reduce your risk of falling prey. For added protection in your yard, call a professional tick control company like Burgess Pest - our team is here to put a stop to whatever is bugging you, all year long.
