The frigid bite of this past winter’s Polar Vortex was not enough to wipe out one biting scourge of summer – ticks.
“Despite the long, cold winter, ticks are abundant in New York State and surrounding areas,“says Paul Curtis, coordinator of Cornell’s Wildlife Damage Management Program and associate professor of natural resources. "The persistent snow cover helped insulate overwintering ticks in the leaf litter.”
Beyond the general discomfort that most tick bites cause to animals and people, bites from certain species of ticks pose significant health risks. In particular, black-legged ticks – also known as deer ticks – are the primary vectors for the bacteria that causes Lyme Disease.
According to Curtis, “it is very important to remove ticks as soon possible, because they must be attached for approximately 24 to 36 hours to transfer pathogens to humans or pets while feeding. Pet owners should consult their veterinarian, as Lyme disease can cause severe problems for dogs.”
Ticks favor shaded areas such woods or woodland edges, or in shaded home landscapes.
“People who are outdoors in tick-infested areas should check themselves closely for ticks at the end of each day,“ says Curtis. "Consult your physician if you are bitten and concerned about potential disease transmission.”
Tick Prevention Tips:
- Wear light-colored clothing with long pants and sleeves.
- Tuck your pants into your socks, and your shirt into your pants.
- Use spray repellents as directed on the label.
- Walk along the center of trails and avoid contact with shrubs or brush.
- Conduct frequent clothing checks, and carefully inspect your body for ticks.
- Once home, dry clothing on the highest temperature setting for 10 minutes to kill any ticks.
- Keep pets from tick infested areas and check them before entering the house.
- Mow lawns and remove lawn debris and leaf litter.
- Discourage rodents by reducing cover (e.g., wood piles) and food sources (e.g., bird seed, compost).
- Move lawn furniture and children’s toys away from the yard edges and wooded areas.
And check out this guide to Lyme Disease prevention from the the New York State Department of Health.
