Let’s hear it for the warmer weather! Finally, after a long, cold winter, we can leave our windows open when we go to sleep. We don’t need to wear heavy coats and boots. And, we can slip on our flip flops that perfectly match our shorts. What’s better than spring and summer? Well, the beautiful weather also means an increase in ticks in Pennsylvania in 2019. Are you ready for it?
Spring’s here and so is the increase in ticks. In fact, do you remember all the wet weather we’ve had so far this year and in 2018? All that wet weather will, in all likelihood, lead to an upsurge in ticks this year.
Flickr/Nicholas A. Tonelli
The wet weather and the humidity combine to create the perfect breeding conditions for ticks. While the ticks are out in full force during the wet weather, the animals – like opossums – that kill them will seek dry places for shelter, leaving the ticks free of predators.
Flickr/Ben Mason
Pennsylvania’s notoriously bad for tick-related illnesses like Lyme Disease. More than 10,000 cases of Lyme Disease, according to the CDC, have been diagnosed in Pennsylvania in the past.
Flickr/Ryszard
Are you ready to protect yourself from the ticks? The good news is we don’t have to stay cooped up indoors all summer. However, we do need to take some precautions.
Flickr/R. Kriatyrr Brosvik
First, know where you’re likely to find a high concentration of ticks – particularly in grassy, brushy, and woodsy areas. Chances are you even have ticks in your own yard.
Flickr/55Laney69
Before heading outdoors, apply an EPA-approved insect repellent to your skin. Click here to read more about how to find EPA-approved insect repellents for you and your family.
Flickr/USDA
Of course, the insect repellant may help, but you’ll still need to take precautions once you’re outside. Avoid areas, for example, where there might be a high concentration of ticks. Stay on the path when you’re hiking rather than going off into the woods.
Flickr/Nicholas A. Tonelli
Some experts also recommend wearing long pants and long-sleeve shirts to help avoid coming into contact with ticks.
Flickr/Nicholas A. Tonelli
When you come indoors, immediately check to make sure no ticks have attached to your body. Then, check your kids and your pets for ticks. Should you find a tick, remove it immediately. If you suspect you’ve been bitten by a tick, contact your doctor right away.
Flickr/webchicken
Prevent ticks in your own yard by pulling the weeds and keeping your lawn trimmed.
Flickr/heipei
Have opossums in your yard? You’re lucky! They’re harmless and actually protect your yard from insects and arachnids, including ticks. Did you know that they can kill as many as 5,000 ticks each week?
Flickr/Tony Alter
This is just the start of what you can do to protect yourself and your family. Click here for more information from the CDC.
Flickr/Karen Christine Hibbard
Are you ready for a surge in ticks this year? Join the conversation in the comments! Then, click here to read about 10 animals in Pennsylvania that just might haunt you in your dreams.
Flickr/Nicholas A. Tonelli
Flickr/Ben Mason
Flickr/Ryszard
Flickr/R. Kriatyrr Brosvik
Flickr/55Laney69
Flickr/USDA
Flickr/webchicken
Flickr/heipei
Flickr/Tony Alter
Flickr/Karen Christine Hibbard
OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article.
