Ticks!

Ticks are bad.

General Tick-Borne Disease Information

Geographic Distribution and Seasonality

Ticks are found across the US, mostly in wooded, bushy, and grassy areas. Cases of tick-borne disease are most common during warmer months (April to September), when ticks are most active.

Hosts and Transmission

Ticks feed on a variety of animals including: deer, dogs, rodents (such as mice), birds, and reptiles. Disease is transmitted from the bite of an infected tick. Ticks, which can attach to any part of the body, are generally found on humans in hard-to-see spots such as the scalp, groin, and under the arms. Rodents are the most common reservoir or tick-borne disease. The smaller life stages of ticks are responsible for the most human tick-borne illnesses in the United States and need to be attached for many hours to transmit disease such as Lyme. 

Signs and Symptoms

Human symptoms of tick-borne illness usually appear 1 to 2 weeks after the tick bite and include:

• Fever and chills
• Headache and muscle aches
• Rash

Prevention and Control

Reducing exposure to ticks is the best prevention method, especially in warmer months, when ticks are most active. To help prevent tick-borne illness:

• Hike in the center of trails- ticks can't jump so they crawl up vegetation and wait for hosts to brush against them
• Avoid wooded and bushy areas with high grass and leaf litter
• Wear insect repellant containing DEET or other EPA approved repellent- even just treating boots can dramatically reduce your risk
• Treat clothing and gear with products containing permethrin
• Carefully inspect your body, clothing, and pets for ticks after recreating
• Bathe within two hours to wash ticks off your skin before they bite

Testing and Treatment

Antibiotics are effective in treating bacterial tick-borne illnesses and should be used if an infection is diagnosed. Tips for finding and removing ticks:

• Bathe as soon as possible to wash off and easily find ticks
• Conduct a full-body check for ticks
  • Use a mirror
  • Parents should check thier children for ticks
• Examine your gear and your pets
• Tumble clothes in dryer on high heat for an hour