I have already received several calls this year about ticks. Although it is a little early for ticks, it is not really surprising that they are now active and moving about. This is not necessarily an indication that we are having more tick problems than normal, only that this is the time of the year when ticks do become active, and this is also the time of the year when many of us begin spending more time outside.

Ticks are related to mites and spiders and are not really insects, since they have eight legs instead of six. They have four stages of development - the egg, larval, nymph, and adult stages. After hatching from the egg, the tick must receive a blood meal in order to complete the next stage of development.

Ticks usually remain next to the ground in leaf litter and in other types of organic matter. When they seek a blood meal, they move from the leaf litter onto grass and shrubs where they wait for an animal to pass by. This animal may be a wild squirrel, rabbit, or deer; or it may be your pet. However, it may be you or one of your children.

When the tick finds a host animal, they usually crawl upward until they find a good place to attach themselves. Although they may attach on any part of the body, when a tick gets on a human, they usually attach themselves on the more protected parts of the body, such as in the hair or areas which are covered with clothing.

The greatest concern about ticks is that they can carry dangerous diseases. The two most common diseases are Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever and Lyme Disease. However, not all ticks will carry these diseases. They must first receive a blood meal from an infected host in order to transmit the disease.

Although a tick may be found on a person, the tick must first attach itself before it can transmit a disease and usually must be attached for several hours before the disease is transmitted. So instead of telling you all about the symptoms of these diseases, let me just tell you what you need to do if you suspect there may be ticks where your children are playing or where you or your family are spending outdoor time.

If you or your children are outdoors during the summer, it is best to avoid grass and shrub areas if at all possible. If hiking, stay on trails, paths, and roads. If it is not possible to stay out of areas were ticks may be found, just go ahead and have fun, but examine your clothing and body several times during the day. Frequent inspections lessen the chance of a tick having time to attach itself. After you or your children have finished your outdoor activities, take a good shower and inspect the entire body for ticks. Examine your children thoroughly, and if necessary, ask someone else to help examine for ticks in areas of your body that may be difficult for you to see.

Most commercial insect repellents are very effective against ticks. Apply these products liberally to all exposed areas of the body and to clothing. Wear light-colored clothing, since this makes the ticks much easier to detect. When practical, layer your clothing. Tuck your pant legs into your socks and your shirttail into your pants.

When camping, try to select an area that is not heavily infested with ticks. You can check for ticks by dragging a piece of white flannel cloth or clothing over the grass and shrubs and then examining it for ticks.

If you have followed these precautions and still find a tick attached to the body, remove it as quickly as possible. Home remedies, such as applying petroleum jelly or cleaning fluid or holding a burning cigarette near the tick, will not cause it to dislodge. Instead, these remedies may cause skin irritations or may kill the tick which will make it even more difficult to remove.

To remove a tick, use tweezers to firmly grasp the body and pull directly away from the point of attachment without twisting or jerking. Increase the force very gradually until the tick is pulled free.

If the tick's mouth parts break off in the skin, use a sterilized needle to remove them as you would a splinter. Wash the bite area with soap and water and apply an antiseptic, such as alcohol. Then wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water.

Mark the date on a calender, so if symptoms do develop, you can tell the doctor when the bite occurred. Also, place the removed tick in a small container with rubbing alcohol and keep for 60 to 90 days in case problems develop and identification is necessary.

Ticks can be controlled around homes by keeping grass mowed and reducing the amount of leaf litter. Severe tick infestations can be controlled with chemical pesticides, but the products must be applied properly for good results. Not only is thorough coverage necessary, the area may need to be treated several times. Please call one of your agricultural Extension agents at 671-3276 for more specific information.

Ticks are native to this area. If you spend much time outside, it is very possible you may find a tick on one of your children or on yourself. If the tick is not attached, there is no cause at all for alarm. Even if attached, more than likely, problems will not develop if the directions given above for removal are followed. Always be safe. If you or your children experience a tick bite, you might want to consult a doctor. Remember, carry the tick with you for identification.

E-mail address: Everett_Davis@ncsu.edu

Mailing Address:
P. O. Box 2280
Lumberton, NC 28359-2280

Phone: 910-671-3276
Fax: 910-671-6278

Date Created 06/13/06