
New tick-borne diseases have been discovered in recent years with infections steadily increasing. Lyme disease is the most commonly reported in New York. Like Lyme, the other diseases will begin to spread to other regions across the state. As these diseases become more common, it's important to learn how to identify and remove ticks, and what to do if you think you might have a tick-borne disease. Preventing a tick bite is your best defense against tick-borne diseases.
The ticks responsible for the majority of tick-borne diseases in humans are the black legged deer tick, American dog tick and the lone star tick. These species are found primarily in the Northeastern and upper Midwest regions of the United States, and may transmit several different diseases.
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Black Legged Deer Tick transmits: Lyme disease, anaplasmosis, babesiosis, Powassan |
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American Dog Tick transmits: Tularemia, Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever |
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Lone Star Tick transmits: ehrlichoisis, tularemia, STARI |
The tick life cycle generally lasts two years. During this time, they go through four life stages: egg, six-legged larva, eight-legged nymph, and adult. The nymphs are most active in early spring and are the size of a poppy seed. They can still transmit disease if they bite, so it is important to be vigilant with daily full body tick checks.
Follow the “ABCs” of tick bite prevention.
A: Avoid ticks
Ticks live in tall grass, bushy thick wooded areas, in leaf piles and along stone walls. Walk in the center of well marked trails. Ticks hold their upper pair of legs outstretched, waiting to climb onto a passing host. When a host brushes the spot where a tick is waiting, it quickly climbs aboard. It then finds a suitable place to bite its host.
B: Bug spray
Use insect repellent that contains 20%-30% DEET. Apply as directed and avoid eyes or mouth. Assist children with applying insect repellent. Treat your clothing, tents and other camping gear with permethrin. Be sure to follow instructions from the manufacturer.
C: Check yourself
Perform a daily full body tick check. Remember that nymphs are very small and may be very hard to see. Be sure to check your scalp, ears, under your arms, waist line, and groin area, behind your knees and your ankles. Check your children and your pets every day after they have been outdoors.
D: Dress to repel
Wear light-colored clothing (so you can see the ticks and remove them). Wear a long-sleeved shirt and long pants. Tuck pants into socks and shirts into pants.
For more information on preventing tick bites on your pets visit this page on the CDC website.
Remove ticks as soon as possible to reduce your risk of getting infected with Lyme disease or other tick-borne illnesses.
DO NOT use kerosene, matches, or petroleum jelly to remove ticks.
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People who have removed a tick often wonder if they should have it tested. The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends that the testing of individual ticks is not useful because: