2017 Tick Update:
What You Need to Know This Season to Stay Safe
Tick Science
•
•
•
•
•
•
The Western blacklegged tick is expanding its range, moving from California into the
Pacific Northwest and Southwest.
The upper Midwest is also now at a higher risk for Lyme disease.
Scientists are predicting a 2017 explosion of Lyme disease in the Northeast U.S.
Populations of the deer tick (or blacklegged tick) are growing in the Eastern U.S.
Land development is putting humans in closer proximity to ticks and their hosts,
increasing chances of being bitten.
Climate change will impact tick populations. Heat speeds up tick development time.
Tick Bites
Warning Signs: Humans
If these symptoms are seen within a few
weeks of a tick bite, see a doctor and
inform them of the bite.
Warning Signs: Pets
If pets display any of these symptoms,
speak with your veterinarian. If untreated,
tick-borne diseases in pets can be fatal.
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Fever or chills
Aches, pains, or stiffness
Joint pain
Rashes - spots or a “target” pattern
Wounds or ulcers near the bite site
Joint pain, limping, lameness
Swollen lymph nodes
Decreased appetite
Fever
Lethargy
How to Remove a Tick
•
•
•
•
Use tweezers and grab tick close to the skin
Steadily pull upward and avoid twisting the insect
Do not crush the tick once removed
Dispose of them by submersing in alcohol, wrapping in tape, or flushing.
Diseases and Disease-Causing
Pathogens Spread by Ticks
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Lyme Disease
Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever
Anaplasmosis
Babesia
Ehrlichosis
Powassan Virus
STARI (Southern-tick associated rash illness)
Tularemia
TBRF (tick-borne relapsing fever)
Tick Species of Concern
Protect Yourself,
Your Family, and
Your Pets
• Wear an EPA-approved
insect repellent when
spending time outdoors.
• When doing yard work,
hiking, or spending time in
wooded areas, wear longsleeved shirts, long pants,
and socks.
• After being outside, do a
head-to-toe check for ticks.
Check clothing and skin.
• Check your pets regularly
for ticks.
• Speak to your veterinarian
about proactive tick
protection for your pets.
• Have your yard treated
with a preventative
application to deter ticks.
Blacklegged tick Lone Star tick
Dog tick
Rocky Mountain
Wood Tick
800.WEST.EXT | west-ext.com