As the weather warms up and the spring sun beckons, outdoor enthusiasts are not the only ones emerging from their winter slumber. Black-legged ticks, commonly known as deer ticks, are also becoming active, presenting a potential health risk due to their ability to transmit Lyme disease. With temperatures rising above 4°C, the risk of tick bites increases, making it essential for individuals to be vigilant and take preventive measures.
According to Dr. Nicoletta Faraone, a researcher at Acadia University, black-legged ticks are particularly active in warmer weather. Since 2017, Dr. Faraone has been leading efforts to understand the compounds that attract and repel these ticks. Recently, her team published groundbreaking findings in Current Research in Insect Science, indicating that lemongrass essential oil significantly impairs the ability of black-legged ticks to detect humans. "They mask the ability of the tick to smell a potential host," Dr. Faraone explained.
In addition to the lemongrass oil study, researchers have observed that some ticks are developing a fungus that eventually kills them. This fungus, which was detected for the first time in Nova Scotia, is commonly found in soil and may offer a future avenue for managing tick populations. “We want to really clarify how this fungus works and the potential application of the fungus for the management of the tick population here,” Dr. Faraone added.
But what happens if you find a tick on yourself or your pet? The first step is to remove it properly. Dr. Syed Hussain, medical director at Hartford HealthCare Urgent Care, advises using fine-tipped tweezers to grasp the tick as close to the skin as possible. Instead of pulling straight out, he recommends rotating the tweezers in a 180-degree turn to help detach the tick without squeezing its body, which could increase the risk of infection.
Once the tick is removed, cleaning the bite site thoroughly with soap and water, rubbing alcohol, or iodine is crucial. If the tick was engorged or embedded for 48 to 72 hours, Dr. Hussain suggests seeking medical attention for a possible preventive antibiotic prescription. Symptoms of tick-borne illnesses can appear anywhere from three days to a month after a bite, including a bull’s-eye rash, flu-like symptoms, joint pain, and in severe cases, shortness of breath or chest pain.
As the weather continues to warm, pet owners are also urged to be vigilant. Dr. Elaine Sheikh from the Animal Emergency and Specialty Hospital of Grand Rapids warns that ticks pose a significant threat to dogs as well. “Every year is a bad season for ticks,” she noted, emphasizing that warmer winters extend the ticks' active season. For ticks to transmit Lyme disease to dogs, they typically need to be attached for more than 12 hours, often up to 24 hours. Promptly identifying and removing ticks can significantly reduce the risk of transmission.
Dr. Sheikh recommends giving pets an oral or topical tick treatment and performing a thorough bug check immediately after outdoor activities. If a tick is found, she advises using tweezers or a tick removal tool to carefully pull it straight out without twisting, ensuring the entire tick is removed. If any part of the tick remains embedded, contacting a veterinarian is essential.
Preventing tick bites is the best strategy to avoid tick-related illnesses. Dr. Hussain suggests using insect repellent when spending time outdoors, wearing long sleeves, pants, socks, and closed-toe shoes in wooded or grassy areas, and performing a full-body tick check after outdoor activities. Ticks often hide in warm, moist areas, including under the arms, around the ears, behind the knees, between the legs, on the scalp, or inside the belly button.
In Ontario, Public Health officials have noted that black-legged ticks can be transported by migratory birds, making it possible to encounter them almost anywhere in the province. With the growing concern over tick populations and the diseases they carry, awareness and education are key.
As outdoor activities increase, so does the need for awareness about ticks and the diseases they carry. The combination of Dr. Faraone's research on natural repellents like lemongrass oil and the recommendations from health professionals on proper tick removal can help mitigate risks. Whether you're hiking through the woods, enjoying a picnic, or simply spending time in your backyard, taking these precautions can help ensure a safe and enjoyable spring and summer.
In summary, as temperatures rise and outdoor activities increase, the risk of tick bites also escalates. With the right knowledge and preventive measures, individuals can enjoy the beauty of nature while minimizing the risks associated with these tiny but potentially dangerous insects.
