People and pets are at risk of tick bites throughout the entire year. While it is true that most of the cases reported occur in the spring and summer, Lyme disease can occur all year round if you are not vigilant.
Spring
Ticks live in the cooler Northern latitudes. They like the damp, tall grass and wooded places, so spring is the perfect time for them to start rousing themselves and getting ready to feed after a long winter.
The tick that has been connected with the majority of cases of Lyme disease is the black-legged tick. It is also known as the deer tick, because deer are its favorite host to feed from.
Deer will start to mate and procreate in spring, resulting in more hosts for the ticks. While it is true that the bacteria which causes Lyme disease, Borrelia burgdorferi, can’t be transmitted from deer, but rather from small rodents, the more ticks in an area, the greater the risk of Lyme disease and other tickborne illnesses.
Since the weather is beginning to get warmer, people start to spend more time out of doors. People will also allow their pets to roam freely once the winter is over. They will also go for longer walks with their dogs, which means more chances of one or both picking up a ‘hitchhiker’ without even realizing it.
This is particularly true in the case of baby ticks, which are referred to as nymphs. They are the main vector of Lyme disease because they are only the size of a poppy seed. Because they are so small, it is easy for them to remain on their host for a considerable amount of time without being noticed. Lyme disease can only be transmitted if the tick has not gone for 24 to 36 hours, so locating the tick in a timely manner is essential in order to avoid the disease.
Summer
In the summer months, people spend even more time out of doors, and often dress with a good deal less clothing. They head for the woods and other local beauty spots wearing shorts, skirts, skorts or swimsuits to keep cool. However this is a golden opportunity for a tick to latch onto a bare leg and feed.
Experts suggest that no matter how hot it is, if you are going out into nature, such as the woods or long grass, you should wear long pants and tuck the cuffs of them into your socks to prevent ticks from going up your trouser legs.
Wear long sleeves and make sure all your clothes are light-colored to help spot ticks. Use repellent on your skin and on your clothes as needed.
Autumn
In the autumn, the weather will be cooler and leaves will start to fall. These cool, damp, wet conditions are ideal for ticks to hide in and latch onto unsuspecting hikers or dog walkers and their pets. If your pet is long-haired, it is essential to keep them well-groomed and check them for ticks regularly, especially if they share a bed with you.
Winter
In the winter ticks, are not as active, but they don’t die off in the cold the way many other insects will. Ticks can actually live up to 2 years as well, and will of course be hungry no matter what they season.
If you enjoy winter hiking, snowshoeing and other outdoor sports, or let your pets out in the winter time, be sure to check for ticks when you get home. Consider using natural repellents like essential oils and potpourri using those botanicals around the house to prevent ticks from hanging around your home.
An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure when it comes to Lyme disease. Be vigilant about ticks every season, and keep you and your family safe and well.
