An early spring means more ticks to avoid

As spring arrived across much of the U.S., more people ventured outside to enjoy nature, but unfortunately, the warmer temperatures also awakened ticks. "Tick season seems to be off to a fast start, with an unusually high number of bites already reported across the country," reports Mike Stobbe of The Associated Press.

All tick bites warrant attention because they can spread "serious diseases, including Lyme disease, Rocky Mountain spotted fever and alpha-gal syndrome, a red meat allergy," Stobbe explains. "Lyme disease is the most common, with an estimated 476,000 people treated for it each year, according to the CDC."

A 'questing' tick perches itself on the edge of a branch and 
waits for a host to walk past. (Entomology Today photo) 

Although most people know that ticks are tremendously adept at attaching themselves to people and animals, many may not know why. Understanding how ticks "find" their victims can be a first line of defense, simply by knowing where to look.

Ticks seeking a host are most often found in ankle-high vegetation where they exhibit a behavior known as "questing." To quest, all ticks do is anchor themselves to the tips of grasses, leaves, or shrubs and extend their front legs and wait for an animal or human to walk by, according to Entomology Today. Ticks also like to "link" together, so they can fall on a host in a chain, bite and feed.

To prevent tick bites, experts suggest walking "in the middle of paths and wearing light-colored clothing treated with the insecticide permethrin," Stobbe adds. "And use Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)-registered insect repellents."

The risk of disease can be reduced if ticks are found early and removed immediately. "It’s not necessary to go to a doctor unless you think the tick has been on you for days or if you develop a rash or other symptoms," Stobbe reports.