Tick Tock - Summer and What you need to know about Tick Bites and Disease

Summertime. South Carolina. Ticks. 

​We are full swing into Summer. Some of us are even already gearing up for fall. Everyone is cutting loose, relaxing, spending time outdoors, and  traveling.

With just a few weeks left before the start of school, many families are looking for fun outdoor activities to help create memorable summer time experiences.  

Often these activities include hiking, camping, spending time outdoors--but before you plan your last summer excursion, you need to think about what may be hiding and waiting to put an end to any fun you might be planning. 
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Ticks and Disease

Ticks are parasites that attack from the outside of the body. These pests require a blood meal in which to survive. This type of contact between a tick and it's host contributes to the spread of disease from the tick to the host.

​Not all ticks transmit diseases, but taking precautions is key in protecting yourself, your children, and your pets from tick borne diseases like Lyme disease, Ehrlichiosis, Southern Tick-Associated Rash Illness(STARI), and Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever. 
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When diagnosed early, tick borne diseases are very treatable. Diagnosis and early treatment is key. 

Lyme disease is the most common disease transmitted by ticks reported on an annual basis with an increase of over 80% of reported cases from 2004 to 2016 according to the CDC. Lyme disease is a bacterial disease that affects muscle strength, can cause arthritis, rashes, severe headaches, and possibly inflammation of the brain. 

While Lyme disease is one of the most common tick-born illnesses, Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever is the most deadly. 

The Rare but Deadly Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever 

Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever is a bacterial disease that if goes undiagnosed and untreated can cause irreversible damage to your heart, kidneys, or other vital organs. 

RMSF is most commonly transmitted by the American Dog Tick (Dermacentor Variabilis), the Brown Dog Tick (Rhipciephalus Snguineus), or the Rocky Mountain Wood Tick (Dermacentor Vanabilis).  In the southeast, it's the American Dog tick that we need to keep an eye out for when it comes to RMSF. 

American Dog Tick (Dermacentor variabilis) Susan Ellis, USDA APHIS PPQ, Bugwood.org

Reported cases of the rare but deadly Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever have been increasing over the past several years with one reported death in Wisconsin so far this year. ​Veterinarian offices are reporting an increase of cases in dogs, and pediatrician offices have treated cases in children as young as 5. 

Know What to Expect and Where to Expect It

Obviously, the best way to avoid ticks is to avoid tick prone environments. You know places like the woods, the marsh, grassy areas, shrubs, tree limbs.....you know....outside. Okay, so maybe this is way easier said than done; however, if you prep yourself with the knowledge of what you  might be getting into, you can lessen your chances of getting a ride along buddy looking for a free dinner. 

One common misconception about ticks is that they drop down from trees or jump to find a host. This is actually not true at all. All ticks climb upwards. If you find a tick on the upper portion of your body, it's because the little fella climbed his way on up. Often, they can begin their journey upwards by latching on when you are bent over or lying on the ground. 

​Dogs, cats, raccoons, and squirrels are a more likely hosts for ticks due to their low center of gravity. 

Dogs and other small animals are only 8-12 inches off the ground and like to lay around in grassy areas which makes them a prime and easy target. 

How You Can Protect Yourself 

The fear of tick-born illnesses shouldn't deter you from enjoying yourself in these last few weeks of summer. Here are a list of things  you can do to stay on the safe side:

1. Proactive Dressing: When hiking or working in conditions that might be conducive to ticks, tuck your pants into your socks. Remember, ticks climb up. Some ticks are not as aggressive as others, and something as simple as a clothing barrier will stop them from climbing. 

2. Daily Tick Checking: It's a great idea to check yourself daily for ticks that might be climbing upwards. If a tick hasn't latched on, removing it before it has a chance to is by far the safest way if preventing the transmission of tick-born diseases. It's important to check those spots that aren't as visible with the naked eye: 

• Under your arms 
• Around your waistline
• Throughout the hairline and in your hair
• Inside your belly button
• Between your legs and the back of the knees
• Between your toes

3. Location. Location. Location: It's important that you are aware of habitats that are conducive for ticks, so  you can plan accordingly. Ticks mainly prefer moist and humid environments, particularly in or near wooded or grassy areas. 

4. What you Wear Matters: Wear ​long-sleeved shirts and long pants. If you wear lighter color clothing, it will make it a lot easier to identify ticks on your clothes. 

5. Prep your Yard: Consider having your yard treated by a professional to keep ticks out of your yard. You can also ​cut and remove overgrown grasses and weeds on a regular basis; prune back shrubs and low hanging branches; remove any piles of debris or leaves that only create inviting homes for ticks

Take time and enjoy your summer. Be mindful of your surroundings, and always check yourself and your pets. Remember, wash any possibly contaminated clothes before simply throwing them in a hamper. Not all ticks carry diseases but tick removal is important. The longer a tick stays attached, the greater your chances of having a tick-born disease transmitted. 

If you fear that your yard may be a tick haven, don't hesitate to give us a call at Champion Pest Management. We can come out and assess your yard situation, and discuss a treatment plan that best suits your needs, your family's needs, and your pets' needs. 

843.860.4791
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