Weather conditions are finally allowing folks to get outside and enjoy the great outdoors, but caution is advised. It’s not the rabid raccoon or fox or even an aggressive fisher that should concern you. It is a much smaller creature and could be more dangerous. I am referring to the tick: so small, yet so powerful.
There are four kinds of ticks that can be found in our area — the Lone Star tick, the black-legged tick, the dog tick and the brown dog tick. Each one can spread serious illness and even death when its bite goes unnoticed, which is often the case. At least 15 diseases are known to be spread by ticks. Some of these ticks can spread several different diseases.
Lyme disease, spread by the black-legged tick, is a commonly known illness that causes rashes, fever, headaches and fatigue. It can be treated with antibiotics when discovered, but that is often the problem. Lyme disease symptoms are so similar to flu symptoms that the illness is often ignored. Unchecked Lyme disease can lead to serious joint, heart and nervous system problems.
Rocky Mountain Fever can be spread by both the dog tick and the brown dog tick. Left untreated, it can cause severe infections and permanent health damage.
Ehrlichiosis is a group of bacterial diseases that are spread by the Lone Star and black-legged ticks. Babesiosis is a parasitic illness that is spread by the black-legged tick; it causes flu-like symptoms that can be treated with antibiotics. Another common disease spread by the black-legged tick is anaplasmosis.
A number of viruses can also be spread by ticks, some of which can be very serious. A meat and dairy allergy is also linked to Lone Star tick bites and is on the rise.
Ticks are everywhere in our environment — open grasslands, brush lands, in and near forests and sometimes even indoors on pets. What to do when you want to enjoy the great outdoors? Hikers are always at risk, as they cover a lot of territory and are likely to encounter many ticks. So are hunters, as they move around the fields and woods looking for their quarry; the turkey hunter who usually sits on the ground for long periods trying to lure in a tom; the fisherman who moves along the streams hoping to catch the big one; even the birder who is concentrating on finding that special bird. Do we need to forsake all these activities to prevent infection from ticks?
No. There are ways to prevent bad encounters with ticks, and the first way is to stay alert to anything tickling your skin, especially after an outdoor adventure. Also, a complete inspection of your body after returning home is advised. Pets need to be inspected for the presence of ticks as well, especially those that spend time outdoors. Ask your veterinarian for products to protect your pets. And don’t think your manicured lawn is free of ticks!
The best deal to prevent tick bites comes in special spray repellants that can be applied to your skin or your clothing. For casual adventures, Off’s Sportsmen Deep Woods insect repellent (containing 30% DEET) is a convenient solution; it will also repel all those other nasty guys like black flies and mosquitoes. Any spray that contains 30% DEET will protect you.
For those who are outdoors frequently, products that contain 0.5% permethrin can be sprayed on clothing (not skin) and will give you protection for up to 42 days. If using a permethrin product, follow the application instructions to the letter. I have one set of clothing set aside for taking photographs in any setting where ticks may be present, sprayed with Sawyer Insect Repellant, and I have not had any bad encounters with ticks.
I often see people fishing along the dikes of a local marsh and many of them like to sit on the ground while doing so. I also see deer feeding in the same area when no one is around. All wildlife can be tick carriers but deer are the worst. I once photographed a beaver from a fairly close distance and when I put that picture in the computer and enlarged it, I saw five ticks on the beaver’s head! Don’t take a chance with all the various health issues that ticks can cause.