Tick season: Experts share best practices to avoid illness
JACKSON, Tenn. — As the weather warms up, many find themselves outdoors more often. Kids come out to play – and so do ticks!
Before you hit the trails or your backyard, make sure you are prepared to fight the bite.
Experts are urging the public to stay vigilant as tick season is ramping up across Tennessee.
Ticks are primarily attracted to warm-blooded animals, making pets and humans a main target.
Experts recommend to keep a well maintained lawn to help keep out ticks out of your backyard, as ticks thrive in wooded or grassy areas.
It is important to remember to check over your hair and body after frequently being outdoors during this time of the year.
“That’s what is important with ticks–getting them removed after they have already gone into your skin and started to take a blood meal,” said Sebe Brown, Research and Extension Field Crop Entomologist, UTIA. “You want to get them removed as quickly as you can, because that drastically reduces the time of transmission of any potential diseases.”
Ticks can carry and transmit various diseases and pathogens including Lyme disease.
“There are several others, but the most common in West Tennessee are Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever and ehrlichiosis,” Brown said.
To prevent this, experts say to wash your clothes and shower within two hours of being outdoors.
A common misconception is that insect repellant will protect you from ticks. Generic insect repellant is not as effective as picaridin–which can be used directly on the skin.
For gear and clothing, experts recommend a product called permethrin.
“What you do is you spray it on your clothing, let it dry. You have to let it dry, don’t wear it wet. It’s not used for skin. Once ticks crawl on your clothing, it will actually cause them to fall off–it’ll kill them or it repels them,” Brown said. “That’s the most effective thing we can use for clothing, bedding tents–whatever you may be, if you hunt or if you camp, we recommend using permethrin-impregnated materials.”
This can be used to treat boots, clothing, and gear and remains protective through several washings. You can also buy permethrin-treated clothing and gear.
If you have recently felt sick after coming in contact with a tick, or if you suspect that you have contracted a tick-borne disease, contact a physician immediately.
To learn more about tick-borne diseases in our area, click here.
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