Lyme Disease
What is it?
How do you get it?
You can find ticks:
DURING THE SUMMER/FALL:
April-November = prime tick season
In temperatures below 32 degrees Fahrenheit ticks are dormant. Late spring to early summer is when the immature or nymphal tick stage exits the dormancy stage. By fall the ticks have matured into their adult state.
IN WOODED/VEGETATED AREAS:Ticks cannot jump, so they have to find a way to latch onto their host. Making areas of grasses, weeds, leaf litter, shrubs etc. ideal for tick living for them to be able to reach potential hosts. When animals walk by the ticks can cling to fur, feathers, or even clothing.
Where is it most common?
Cases of Lyme Disease
Time matters with Lyme...the sooner you check the better
Bulls Eye Rash
Swollen Joints
Headaches
What are the treatments for it?
How do you avoid it?
- Use insect repellent (see directions for use on young children)
- Wear light colors to more easily see the ticks
- Avoid walking through heavily brushed areas
- Wear long-sleeves, pants, and closed shoes.
- For your clothing tight elastic wrists and ankles
Once you finish you outdoor activities it is IMPORTANT to check for any ticks that may have found their way past all the barriers. Ticks try to hide in protected areas i.e. waste bands, pant legs, sleeves, anywhere there is tighter fitting clothing. Also, areas that have thinner skin i.e. groin, armpit, scalp, ankles etc.
If you find a tick remove it as soon as possible using your fingernails or tweezers to help ensure the whole tick is removed.