With many people heading outside over the long weekend, the Department of Health would like to remind us all that ticks are often found in tall grass, brush, or wooded areas and will latch onto people or pets who brush up against them.
People should check themselves, their children and their pets for ticks after spending time outdoors. Taking precautions, like pulling your socks up over your pant legs and using effective insect repellents, will reduce the risk of tick bites.
What to Expect in the Northeast US
In relation to previous summers, 2023 will be no different and likely to be warmer than what it was last year in this region. This part of the USA includes New York, New Jersey, Wisconsin, Pennsylvania, Connecticut and New England that are known to be the main affected areas. Lone star ticks, American dog ticks, Brown dog ticks and Deer ticks (black-legged ticks) are majorly found in this region.
- Tick Season: Starts from mid-April and lasts until mid to late October
- Tick Forecast: Likely to be above average
- Weather Forecast: With a higher than usual precipitation, temperature is expected to be normal
- Tick Disorders: Include Rocky Mountain spotted fever, Lyme disease, Tularemia, etc.
To prevent tick bites:
- Wear light-coloured clothes so ticks can be easily seen.
- Wear pants, long-sleeved shirts, and shoes that do not expose your bare feet.
- Pull socks over your pant legs to prevent ticks from crawling up your legs.
- Use insect repellents that contain DEET or Icaridin. Apply repellent to clothes as well as your skin (under sunscreen). Always read and follow the directions on the label. Some repellents may have age restrictions.
- Shower or bathe as soon as possible after being outside to wash off loose ticks.
- Do full-body tick checks as soon as possible after being outside on yourself, your children, and pets.
If you find a tick attached to your skin or on your pet:
- Carefully remove it with fine-tipped tweezers and grasp the tick’s mouthparts as close to the skin as possible.
- For a video demonstration on how to remove a tick. [Link]
Tick Maps
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