Ticks - I hate these guys!
The focus of this week’s newsletter isn’t an ornamental plant problem, but is important because I assume all of you who read this blog spend a lot of time outdoors. This means possible encounters with ticks and the potential for lyme disease. Because this can be a debilitating illness, and it is very prevalent in the Capital Region, I thought a reminder was warranted.
Lyme disease is a tick-borne illness transmitted to humans by the immature stage black-legged tick (Ixodes scapularis). Adult ticks feed primarily on deer, but will use other mammalian hosts. The larvae and nymphs (immatures) feed on the white-footed mouse (which serves as the natural disease reservoir) and other rodents and birds.
Early stages of the disease include: circular rash 3-30 days after bite in 70-80% of infected people, fatigue, chills and fever. If not treated, the disease can progress to later stages which can include the loss of muscle tone on one or both sides of the face, severe headaches and neck stiffness and rotating joint pain. After several months, 60% of infected people develop severe arthritis problems and up to 5% develop neurological problems.
There are a number of potential reasons for the increased incidents of Lyme disease. First, an increase in the overall tick population due to mild winters and a supply of natural host animals. Second, the overabundant deer population in close proximity to humans. Third, establishment of more residences in wooded areas. Finally, an increased recognition of the disease by the general public.
How do you protect yourself from ticks? Wear light-colored clothing and tuck pants into socks. Use a DEET or permethrin based repellent. Repellents are not as effective against black legged tick so at least 30% - 40% active ingredient. Avoid contact with vegetation, particularly overhanging plants near woodlines, paths, sidewalks, etc. If you spend time in tick habitats, remove and dry (high heat) field clothing as soon as possible. Finally, inspect your body, and children, each day/night for ticks.
Penn State has an informative handout on the four common tick species of Pennsylvania: www.ento.psu.edu/extension/factsheets/common_ticks.htm
An informative publication on tick management can be found at this location: www.ct.gov/caes/lib/caes/documents/special_features/TickHandbook.pdf
Tick photo citation: Jim Occi, BugPics, Bugwood.org
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