Preventing Tick Bites in the Fall

When you think of fall, what comes to mind? You might think of the leaves changing colors, the cooler weather, and the start of harvest season. However, the change in season also brings another change: an increase in tick activity. Although we often associate ticks with the warmer spring and summer months, the cooler fall weather does not mean ticks are gone for the year.

What are ticks?

Ticks are arthropods that feed on the blood of animals (including dogs, cattle, and even humans) and their bites can cause many diseases. Lyme disease is the most common tick-borne disease in the United States, and Pennsylvania consistently ranks Number 1 in the country in number of yearly Lyme disease cases (CDC, n.d.-b). That said, Lyme disease is not the only illness caused by a tick bite, and being prepared to encounter ticks can protect you from many of the diseases they cause.

Can you be bitten by a tick in the fall?

While it is true that most ticks are active during the warmer months, some ticks are more active in the autumn. Adult blacklegged ticks (also called deer ticks) can be found in October and November looking for an animal on which to feed (Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection [DEP], n.d.). The bite of a blacklegged tick can cause Lyme disease and other lesser-known tick-borne diseases (such as anaplasmosis, babesiosis, and deer tick virus) that can make people and animals sick (DEP, n.d.).

What steps can you take to prevent tick-borne diseases?

The best way to prevent Lyme and other tick-borne diseases is by preventing tick bites in the first place. Here are several steps you can take to protect yourself, your family, and your pets from tick-borne diseases (CDC, n.d.-a)

• Know where ticks live.
  Blacklegged ticks are most often found in forested areas with plentiful shade and tall shrubbery. If you are going into a forested area, make sure you are prepared for any ticks you may encounter.
• Dress to protect.
  Ticks need exposed skin to bite. Wear long pants, long socks, and long-sleeved shirts to reduce ticks' access to your skin and reduce your risk of being bitten.
• Use an insect repellent and treat clothes with permethrin.
  There are many insect repellents—such as DEET, picaridin, and oil of lemon eucalyptus—that can repel ticks. When looking for an insect repellent, use one that has been approved by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). This means that an active ingredient in that repellent has been rigorously tested for safety and effectiveness to repel ticks (EPA, n.d.). You can find out if a repellent has been approved by looking for an EPA registration number on the label (EPA, n.d.). In addition to repellents, treating clothing with permethrin (an insecticide that can be applied to clothing and that kills ticks that come in contact with it) can also protect you from tick bites. Always follow label instructions when using permethrin, and do not apply permethrin directly to skin.
• Do a tick check.
  After being outdoors, scan for ticks. Ticks can attach anywhere on the body, but they prefer more covered or enclosed areas, such as in the hair, under the arms, along the waistband, and between the legs.
• Check your pets.
  Ticks and tick-borne diseases can also affect animals. Please talk with your veterinarian about what options may be best for your dog, cat, or livestock on your farm, and check pets for ticks after they have been outdoors.

What should you do if you have been bitten?

Despite your best efforts, sometimes tick bites still happen. So, what should you do if you find an attached tick?

The first step is to not panic! While it can be unnerving to find a tick attached to you or a loved one, being prepared to remove it can help. Below are step-by-step instructions for what to do if you have been bitten (CDC, n.d.-c).

• Remove the tick as soon as possible with a pair of tweezers. Removing ticks before they have been attached for 24 hours can reduce your risk of Lyme disease, so the sooner you remove the tick, the better.
• When removing the tick, grab it with tweezers as close to the skin as possible.
• Pull the tick straight up with steady, even pressure. This will help remove the tick in one piece.
• Once the tick is removed, clean the area around the bite with soap and water.

While ticks and tick-borne diseases can lead to serious complications, following the steps in this article can help protect you and your family. Using these tools can help you be more prepared to enjoy the beautiful Pennsylvania autumn weather while also staying safe from ticks.

References

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (n.d.-a). Prevent mosquito and tick bites. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (n.d.-b). Lyme Disease Surveillance and Data. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (n.d.-c). Tick bite: What to do [Fact sheet]. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.

Environmental Protection Agency. (n.d.). Find the repellent that is right for you.

Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection. (n.d.). Blacklegged tick. Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.