Prepare for Tick Season

The Clocks Ticking | Time to Prepare for Ticks

Don’t let the clock tick any further while you are unprepared!

We are currently in the middle of tick season. According to the CDC ticks are the most active from April-September but can be found year-round.¹There are many different types of ticks to watch out for, but the most common ticks in the US are Black Legged Ticks (deer tick), Lone Star Ticks, and Dog Ticks.²

How to be prepared for tick season

When walking into heavy tick areas wearing long sleeves and pants tucked into your sock can help prevent ticks. Heavy tick areas include grassy, brushy and wooded areas, but ticks could come from your own yard or even off of your pet.¹ Use insect repellents containing DEET on your clothes and exposed skin.¹ Frequently check your clothes and body for ticks. Some diseases such as Powassan Virus Disease can be transmitted in as little as 15 minutes.² Ticks usually have to be attached for 36-48 hours for Lyme disease to be transmitted.¹

Common Tick-Borne Diseases:

Ticks can carry a number of diseases including:¹

Lyme Disease
Tularemia
Ehrlichiosis
Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever
Heartland Virus
Anaplasmosis
Babesiosis
Powassan Virus Disease

What to do if you get bit

Remove the tick as soon as possible. Using tweezers grasp the tick close to the skin. Pull upward with steady force.
Dispose of or store the tick. Keeping the tick allows potential testing if symptoms arise. Keep cool for 30 days in a tightly sealed plastic bag with a damp paper towel, double bag if the tick was still alive.³
Wash hands and tick bite thoroughly.³
Watch for Symptoms for 30 days.¹

Rash
Fever
Fatigue
Headache
Muscle pain
Joint swelling and pain

Written by: Thomas Himes, 2023 CASH Intern