Tick Trouble
During nice, warm weather, people become more active outdoors…and so do ticks! Ticks tend to live in moist environments, especially near wooded or grassy areas. They attach themselves to skin or clothing and take a free ride home with humans or pets. Unfortunately, ticks can transmit several different diseases, including Lyme disease and Rocky Mountain spotted fever.
Viewer Tip: You can prevent tick bites by reducing tick habitat and reducing your exposure to ticks when you spend time outside.
Reduce tick habitat:
- Keep grass near playground equipment short and remove leaf litter and brush near your home. Keep areas under bird feeders clean.
- If you live near a wooded area, place wood chips or gravel between your lawn and the wooded area to keep ticks away.
Reducing your exposure to ticks:
- Stay on trails when hiking in parks or forests.
- Wear light colored clothing – this allows you to see dark-colored ticks crawling on clothing.
- Tuck pants into socks and boots; tuck your shirt into your pants and wear long sleeved shirts.
- Use an insect repellent with DEET or permethrin. Always follow application instructions – parents should apply products to children.
- Don’t forget about Rover! Ask your veterinarian for advice about protecting your pet from ticks. Using a tick collar or tick medicine can prevent your pet from bringing ticks into your home.
Learn more from the Centers for Disease Control: www.cdc.gov/features/stopticks/
Seasons: Spring, Summer
(Sources: Centers for Disease Control. “Stop Ticks.” http://www.cdc.gov/features/stopticks/; Lake County Health Department; Arlington County Department of Human Services)
