April Showers Bring May Flowers…and disease carrying ticks
With May right around the corner, it’s time to get outside and enjoy the beauty of spring. Warmer weather gives us a chance to shed our coats and get out into the sunshine. Going for a hike, gardening in the backyard and picnicking under a tree all are some of life’s simple pleasures. While you are taking in all that Mother Nature has to offer, don’t forget that ticks are coming out of their winter hiding places and looking for a quick meal.
April through September are the most active months for tick exposure, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Delaware County along with all of southeast Pennsylvania is heavily infested by the blacklegged tick. Formerly known as the deer tick, these buggers carry Lyme Disease, which if not treated early, can have serious consequences. Its larvae feed on birds, mice, squirrels and other small animals, according to entomologists at Penn State University. The adult ticks prefer deer, but will feed on humans at any stage.
There are other ticks that inhabit our area of Pennsylvania. The most recognized is the lone star tick, which can spread Rocky Mountain spotted fever and other diseases. The Pennsylvania Department of Health recommends using an insect repellent that contains 20 percent DEET on your skin and products that contain .5 percent permethrin on clothing before spending time where ticks are found. It is helpful to wear light-colored clothing outside so you can spot a tick easier. When you go inside, check your clothing and do a full-body check for ticks. Shower within two hours if possible. Make sure to check your children and pets for ticks as well. The CDC has information about ticks on their website, including how to prevent a tick bite and what to do if you are bitten.
A message from Delco Alarm Systems.