Bad year for ticks

[jbmaine]

I'm sure a lot of you already know, but for those that don't, around here ( southern Maine ) is full of ticks. I spray myself when ever I'm out around the yard, or tromping thru the woods, but I just walked out to the car ( never left the pavement ) and had two ticks on me. It's a bad year for them. Be careful.

[Russ E]

Kansas is bad also. 

heard on the news that 20% of all ticks around here are infected with either Lyme disease or Rocky Mountain spotted fever. 

I had a suspect tick bite during turkey season and was given 2 weeks of antibiotics just in case.

I now do not venture in the outdoors without spraying all of my clothing and equipment with Sawyers Permethrin the night before.

[NHBull]

My Mrs works in a pediatric office and they are flooded with call daily on this very subject, that said, medical professionals say they need to be attached for 72 hrs before harm can be done

[deaknh03]

[jr231]

That's in the top 3 nastiest things I've ever seen. Horrible.  

[Mumbly]

This is going to be a really bad year for them no question.

[Bluebasser86]

I've had 2 on me already this year, dog has got to be in the double digits already. Won't be doing a lot of pond fishing at that rate. 

[TnRiver46]

I’ve had way too many ticks to count this year. Probably only 5-6 were imbedded though, I usually feel them crawling on me even in my sleep. Ticks are gross but they are the least of my worries right now, I’m covered in chigger bites and poison ivy.......... sad face

[Oregon Native]

They are nasty...sometimes spraying one's self down isn't even enough.  Had one attached to me this winter when I was looking for golf balls and it was in the 30's outside!!

[B-Dozer]

every year seems to be getting worse here in the northeast.

and preventives on dogs are getting less and less effective.

currently I use seresto collars, advantix 2, and a bandana treated with permethrin on each of my 3 rescues.

I still find ticks on them, 2 of my dogs have shown lyme in their bloodwork past 2 years.

ticks are the only thing in nature that have no purpose that I know of.

[Bankbeater]

The seed ticks are terrible around here.  When I'm fishing from the bank I will wear white clothing so they stand out better.

[TnRiver46]

16 hours ago, B-Dozer said:

every year seems to be getting worse here in the northeast.

and preventives on dogs are getting less and less effective.

currently I use seresto collars, advantix 2, and a bandana treated with permethrin on each of my 3 rescues.

I still find ticks on them, 2 of my dogs have shown lyme in their bloodwork past 2 years.

ticks are the only thing in nature that have no purpose that I know of.

Something has to transmit all the disease! Haha

[B-Dozer]

5 hours ago, TnRiver46 said:

Something has to transmit all the disease! Haha

you could always volunteer 

[Bladesmith,]

Go to your local feed store and buy a 50# sack of powdered sulfur and sprinkle it liberally around your yard. Water it in lightly. It will keep ticks, snakes, and grubs out of your yard. Old rancher's trick. Not much can be done about ticks in the woods. Putting some of that sulfur in a cotton sock and dusting your boots and pants legs will help but nothing I know of is 100%. The sulfur is good for your plants, not harmful to pets or children. You're welcome.

[Tennessee Boy]

http://www.tickencounter.org/research/summer_clothing

[nosdog2]

No way I would volunteer for that study.  Tics are always bad here in MD. 

[gim]

Ticks and other associated insect disease carriers like mosquitoes are probably only going to get worse as our climate warms.  Milder winters, heavier rainfalls, and prolonged summery-type seasons are all factors contributing to this.

[Sam]

Tick problem in Richmond, VA, too.

 

So far I have grabbed two walking on me and flipped them away.

 

Always looking for ticks after being outside on the deck, in the garden, in the shed, mowing the field, or working in the Ranger.

[NYWayfarer]

None on me yet this year(knock wood) I see lots of wood ticks around.

 

I wear jeans and boots even in 90 degree weather when bank fishing. The only exposed parts are my arms and face. Liberal application of Off Sportsman on my arms and hat helps me stay Tick free.