With an exceptionally mild winter behind us many are looking forward to fields and forests regaining green foliage. But many who have already ventured out are finding early signs of a big tick season to come. Though ticks are most common from May through November in Wisconsin, early reports of deer ticks from across the state mean it’s time to review best practices to prevent tick bites and the diseases they can transmit.
According to the Wisconsin Department of Health Services, “Ticks are commonly found in many areas throughout Wisconsin and can spread diseases to people and animals by biting them. Ticks feed on blood by attaching their mouth parts into the skin of a human or animal. During feeding, ticks release saliva that may contain germs. After you, your family members or your pets spend time in the woods or areas with tall grass or brush, it is always important to check for ticks – especially in the spring, summer and early fall.”
The best way to avoid tick-borne diseases like anaplasmosis, Babesiosis, Borrelia miyamotoi, ehrlichiosis, Lyme, Powassan, spotted fever group Rickettsiosis, tularemia and others is to avoid being bit in the first place. Some people use pesticides to kill ticks. But the pests are less likely to frequent yards that have been cleared of tall grass, undergrowth and leaf letter. The Centers for Disease Control and Protection recommends 3-foot-wide barriers of wood chips or gravel to prevent ticks from entering recreational areas. Well-mowed areas in sun are less likely to have ticks. Not attracting deer, rodents or other wild animals that carry ticks to yards also reduces the likelihood of bites from ticks.
Some folks use Permethrin or other pesticides on clothing to repel and kill ticks. But it’s important to read all warnings before applying any pesticide to clothing. With or without pesticide, it’s important to wear long sleeves and long pants. Shirts should be tucked into pants. Some also tuck pant legs into long socks. Light-colored clothing allows ticks to be more easily discovered and removed. Some who will be afield for long durations tape pant legs where pants and socks meet to prevent ticks crawling beneath clothing.
After being outdoors in tick country it’s essential to perform full-body tick checks. All exterior parts of the body should be checked, with special attention to nooks and crannies like the navel, groin and armpits. Also check gear, clothing and pets for ticks. Take a bath or shower soon after coming inside. It’s recommended that dry clothing be tumbled in a dryer on “high” heat for at least 10 minutes because heat kills ticks.
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Don’t panic if an embedded tick is found. To remove it, grasp it with narrow-bladed tweezers close to the skin. Pull upward and out with firm and steady tension. If a rash or fever develops it’s essential to visit a doctor. Be sure to note where and when there was contact with the tick.
And don’t forget to take steps to keep pets healthy. Tick and flea collars are used by many to protect pets. Medications that kill ticks after they bite, but before they infect pets, are also commonly used. Consult a veterinarian for advice. Visit vetmed.wisc.edu and search for “ticks” for more information.
Many of us will not or cannot stay inside to avoid ticks. But if we take precautions, and review and follow best practices, ticks are something with which we can cope.
The Wisconsin Department of Health Services has a wealth of information regarding ticks, tick-borne illnesses and treatment, and tick-bite prevention. Visit www.dhs.wisconsin.gov and search for “ticks” for more information.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention tracks ticks in the United States. Visit www.cdc.gov/ticks for more information.
This is an original article written for Agri-View, a Lee Enterprises agricultural publication based in Madison, Wisconsin. Visit AgriView.com for more information.
Jason Maloney is an “elderly” farm boy from Marinette County, Wisconsin. He’s a retired educator, a retired soldier and a lifelong Wisconsin resident. He lives on the shore of Lake Superior with his wife, Cindy Dillenschneider, and Red, a sturdy loyal Australian Shepherd.