Reasons why 2017 may be the worst tick season ever
There are two main reasons why we are seeing a rise in the number of ticks:
- Warmer winters due to climate change.
- Increase in population of the white-footed mice. These rodents are known to carry ticks and are also vectors of Lyme disease and other deadly viruses.
Areas affected
Almost all of United States is seeing a rise in ticks this year. However, the regions most affected are the mid Atlantic, North-Eastern states and upper Midwest. If you are living in these areas, you should follow some basic precautions to avoid tick bites.
Types of ticks and their active months
American dog ticks
These are usually seen in the eastern states and are most active from March through September. They are known to transmit Rocky Mountain fever or rickettsia in animals and humans.
Picture: CDC.gov
Lone star ticks
This species of ticks can be easily recognized by the presence of a single white spot on its back in females. It is mainly found in woodland habitats and dense grassy areas. Lone star ticks are seen on the white tailed deer which is one of their main hosts. Adult lone star ticks are found from February to early June though their larvae and nymphs can be found frequently through summer and fall.
Picture: CDC.gov
Brown dog ticks
This is a reddish brown tick that is known to infest human dwellings and kennels in North America. They are present all year round in heated buildings.
Picture: CDC.gov
Blacklegged ticks
This is one species that is found all the way from Florida to central Texas and from Maine to Minnesota. Nymphs are seen from May to July while adults are prevalent from September through December all the way to early spring.
Picture: CDC.gov
Diseases transmitted by ticks and fleas
- Fleas can cause flea allergy dermatitis which causes intense itchiness on the pet’s skin. It can lead to distress, hair loss and, in extreme cases, anemia. Secondary skin infections are also possible.
- Lyme disease – This is the most common of all tick borne diseases. It can lead to fever, rashes and appetite changes. The disease can continue causing symptoms like joint aches, fatigue and lethargy for years in some patients.
- Bartonella – Both fleas and ticks can transmit Bartonella parasites to the blood of humans, cats and dogs. It can lead to multiple ailments.
- Ehrlichia – Tick bites cause this disease. These parasites attack the white blood cells and lead to lethargy, weight loss, fever and enlarged lymph nodes.
- Rickettsia – Both fleas and ticks can cause this. Infection could be in the form of typhus, Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever or tick bite fever.
- Meningoencephalitis – This is a deadly disease affecting the brain and spinal cord. Its symptoms are fever, pain, convulsions and paralysis.
- Powassan virus – Humans infected with this virus are generally bitten by ticks and they have an estimated 10% risk of dying. Unlike Lyme disease which takes at least a day to transmit to the hosts, Powassan virus is transmitted in less than an hour.
Where and when can you and your pets get ticks and fleas?
Dogs and cats can acquire fleas and ticks from a variety of places even if they do not go outdoors. Other animals and humans can also bring fleas and ticks inside your home. Rabbits, raccoons and other wild animals carry ticks and fleas too. This is why you should use all-year round flea and tick protection for your pets. Even if you see a single flea or tick on your pet, make sure you bathe it with a vet approved anti-flea/tick shampoo and follow it up with spot treatment, sprays or the use of tick collars for further protection.
Precautions
Humans mainly acquire ticks and fleas from hikes in grassy regions. So it is best to avoid tall grass, weeds and bushy areas. You must also restrict pets from going in such areas. Wear light colored, long sleeved shirts and pants tucked inside socks to avoid getting ticks. Also protect your head with a hat or scarf. As soon as you are indoors, throw all gear and clothes in the washer and wash it on the highest settings. Also inspect each other’s bodies to make sure there are no ticks embedded in the skin. Bathe with hot water and soap, and shampoo your hair as well. If you are an avid hiker, use chemicals like DEET to repel ticks from clothes and shoes. Reapply the products every few hours to ensure long lasting protection.
If you find a tick embedded in your skin, remove it vertically upwards using a pair of tweezers or a special tick removal tool. Bag the tick and take it to your doctor for identification. Watch out for signs of fever, lethargy or appetite changes over the next few days. If you do see these signs, seek medical help immediately.
Conclusion
Ticks and fleas are no laughing matter and you should take them seriously. If you or your pet spends time outdoors or are living in a tick prone area, assume that you have picked up ticks. It is important that you use all year round tick and flea protection such as collars, spot treatments or other vet approved methods.
