Hiking in Illinois may seem like all fun and games, but there is a hidden danger that nature lovers need to be aware of. This year’s tick surge could cause an increase in the spread of disease, but there are some things you can do to protect yourself.
The great outdoors are being taken over by a tiny villain this season. Scroll on for more details.
Illinois is seeing a resurgence of ticks right now due to the Midwest’s recent long winter and wet spring. While you might have hoped the deadly chills had killed off these suckers (pun intended), these conditions have made it perfect for this insect’s populations to swell.
Wikimedia Commons/Mheis2 Unfortunately, the same is also true about mosquitoes.
The main type of tick we have in Illinois is the deer tick, and it is known for carrying Lyme disease. There are actually 15 tick-borne illnesses one could catch, but the other main ones found in the state are Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever, Ehrlichiosis, and tularemia.
Flickr/John Tann
So, layer on the bug spray when you go outside on those nature hikes this season. Especially if you plan to be in any tall grass or in the deep woods, you’ll want the best protection available in order to avoid the tick surge.
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No matter how well you spray, you’ll still want to check yourself (as well as any children or pets) after your hike. It is wise to be especially mindful of the hairlines, joints, groin, and armpits.
Flickr/Fairfax County
Use tweezers to remove a tick if one has attached. The idea is to carefully detach the entire thing, including the mouth, so that no disease is passed on. A typical sign of Lyme disease is a red rash that is somewhat bullseye-shaped.
Flickr/Chris Booth You can either destroy the tick or tape it to a piece of cardboard to keep in case you get infected. This can help doctors diagnose the disease. If you find a mark like this on your skin, seek medical attention immediately.
This tick surge is no joke. You don’t want to be lunch for these leaches, so take proper steps to avoid contact. You can wear longer shirts and pants. Tuck your pants into your socks and your shirt into your pants.
Wikimedia Commons/Mheis2
Test out your anti-tick protection methods on these 10 easy hikes in Illinois that everyone should try.
Wikimedia Commons/Mheis2
Unfortunately, the same is also true about mosquitoes.
Flickr/John Tann
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Flickr/Fairfax County
Flickr/Chris Booth
You can either destroy the tick or tape it to a piece of cardboard to keep in case you get infected. This can help doctors diagnose the disease. If you find a mark like this on your skin, seek medical attention immediately.
Are you prepared for this tick surge? Share your favorite ways to prevent these buggers from getting on you below in the comments.
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