According to reports from around the area, there is another large population of American dog tick, commonly called wood tick, this year. We can assume that the population of blacklegged ticks may also be large this year and because they are potential carriers of Lyme disease and less commonly, human granulocytic ehrlichiosis, it is necessary to take some preventative measures. Normally, June is the high-risk month for contacting Lyme disease, but the ticks are already active, so we must take some precautions. Blacklegged ticks are found primarily in hardwood forests and adjacent grasslands and are most common in central and eastern Minnesota. Because they usually are not found on short grass, they are rarely a problem around homes in mowed yards. Keep grassy areas mowed short around your home and in any places where people are commonly walking or playing. Animals such as mice and chipmunks serve as hosts for these ticks. Discourage these animals from living in your yard by removing brush piles and other places where these animals may build their homes. When hiking or walking, walk in the middle of the trails where grass is short. Wear light colored clothing so that the ticks are easier to spot and wear protective clothing, such as long-sleeved shirts and long pants. For added protection, tuck pants inside socks. Maybe the single most important step in tick protection is to carefully examine yourself for ticks after you have been in any area where ticks may be found. Do a complete body check followed by a shower and vigorously towel dry. Blacklegged tick nymphs, the most prevalent stage during summer, are very small and can be easily overlooked, making careful examination imperative. Make sure children are examined thoroughly, especially in their hair. It is also important to carefully check your dog or cat for ticks before allowing the animal inside your home. Check with your veterinarian about prevention and treatment of ticks on your pets. There are some repellents that will give some additional protection. Products that contain DEET can be applied to clothing and skin. Permanone (permethrin) kills ticks as well as repels them, but must be applied only to clothing. Apply the repellent to socks, trouser cuffs, pants legs, and parts of clothing that may brush tall grasses. When using these products, always read the directions and precautions carefully. Apply the repellent lightly and do not overuse either product. Be especially cautious about the use of insect repellants on children. Be sure to use formulations designed for children and avoid applying these products to a child’s hands or face. If a tick is found attached to the skin, carefully remove it with tweezers by grasping it around the head as close to the skin as possible and gently, but firmly, pulling it out. To avoid contact with the bacteria, do not squeeze the tick’s body. Home remedies, such as covering the tick with petroleum jelly or alcohol or touching it with a lighted match to induce the tick to voluntarily pull its mouthparts out of the skin do not work and can do more harm than good. Always treat the wound with a good germicidal agent such as iodine. It is important to remove an attached tick as soon as possible, because the longer it is attached, the better chance it has to transmit Lyme disease, if it is a carrier. Not all people bitten by a deer tick will get Lyme disease because not all deer ticks carry the bacteria and those that are infected must be attached for at least 24 hours before they can transmit the bacteria. Black-legged ticks that are not attached cannot transmit Lyme disease. A person bitten by a Lyme disease-infected tick may develop a red skin lesion. The lesion then expands to form a large bright red ring with a clear center, which often is hot to the touch. Other symptoms at the onset may include malaise, fatigue, chills, fever, headache, muscle pain, sore throat, nausea or vomiting. See a doctor immediately if you believe you have been bitten by a tick carrying Lyme disease. American dog ticks (wood ticks) and other ticks can be confused with blacklegged ticks. If you have any doubt about the identification of a tick that you find attached to your body, have it identified by an expert.
