PITTSBURGH — Tick experts said you’ll likely see more of the pesky bugs this season, and the warmer winter is to blame.
"Right now, we're getting ticks in from people who are surprised to see so many ticks out at this time of the year,' said Bill Todaro, an entomologist with the Allegheny County Health Department.
Todaro said a lot of adult ticks survived the winter because of the mild temperatures, and now they’re out looking for hosts and mates.
“Most people pick up a tick in their backyard doing normal chores,” he said.
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Animals such as rodents, chipmunks and deer can bring ticks into your yard. The ticks can then latch on to you or your pets.
“Your dog can go out and dig around, get ticks (on) them, (and) your cat and walk right into the house,” he said.
Lyme disease is the most common thing that’s spreading around now, Todaro said. However, ticks can carry other diseases, as well. In New York, they are reportedly spreading a disease similar to malaria.
“Ticks are like a Swiss Army knife of disease vectors,” he said.
Todaro said there are a few easy things you can do to protect yourself.
- Tuck the bottom of your pants into the top of your sock.
- Spray tick repellent on your shoes, socks and pants.
- Spray "Off" or another repellent on your skin.
“When you come back in the house, do a tick check. Look yourself over,” he said. “Same thing with your dogs and cats."
Todaro said it takes about a day or so for a tick to actually penetrate the skin, so the earlier you spot one, the less likely it could infect you.
If you do suspect you or someone in your family was bitten by a tick, contact your physician’s office.
RESOURCES:
Cox Media Group
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