The Ohio State University Extension predicts that this summer will bring a particularly bad tick season, so they are providing tips on how to handle these dangerous arachnids. With the extended winter delaying warm spring weather, ticks are expected to emerge all at once and be very active and hungry. Ticks are known carriers of illnesses such as Lyme disease. Caused by the bacterium Borrelia burgdorferi, the illness is transmitted to humans through the bite of infected deer ticks. Symptoms of Lyme disease, which can appear days to months after a tick bite, typically can include fever, headache, and characteristic skin rash. While deer ticks are typically found in wooded areas, dog ticks are found in grassy habitat next to woods, road edges, and paths.
The Ohio State University Extension advises wearing light-colored clothes, tucking pants legs into socks or boots, applying tick repellent, and doing body checks to prevent tick bites. Pets are at risk too, so keeping dogs on a leash, avoiding weeds, and applying pet-friendly tick repellent is imperative. If a tick is found on the body, it should be removed using tweezers or a tick removal tool by pulling straight up on it with steady pressure. The bite area should be thoroughly washed and the tick should be placed in a container with rubbing alcohol or hand sanitizer. This will help medical professionals analyze the tick in case exposure symptoms become present.
The best way to protect against Lyme disease and tick illnesses is to prevent tick bites. Through awareness, The Ohio State University Extension service hopes to keep outdoor lovers safe during this heavy tick season.
For more information on The Ohio State University Extension, read more here.
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