With the mercury on the rise in West Michigan, health authorities are sounding the alarm on an early onset of tick season, anticipating it to commence sooner than usual.
Attributing the early start to Michigan’s warmer-than-average winter, Brendan Earl, supervising sanitarian within the Environmental Health division of the Kent County Health Department, shed light on the matter.
Expert Warns of Increased Activity
“When you have mild winters like this, and the frost doesn’t get very deep into the ground, it triggers the emergence of many more adult ticks once temperatures reach 40 degrees Fahrenheit and above, ready to latch onto people,” Earl explained.
The concern doesn’t stop at the early arrival; officials are bracing for heightened tick activity as well. “We’re really expecting, with this mild winter, that we’re going to have a lot of ticks out there this year,” Earl cautioned.
However, Earl emphasized proactive measures individuals can take to mitigate the risk of tick bites.
Read more: CDC Panel Urges Second COVID-19 Vaccine For Older Americans
Tick-Proof Landscaping: Effective Yard Strategies
Landscaping strategies such as maintaining a three-foot barrier between lawns and wooded areas or high grasses, including short grass, rocks, or mulch, can deter ticks from invading yards. Additionally, treatments for lawns are recommended to repel ticks effectively.
When venturing outdoors, Earl advised wearing layered clothing and utilizing bug repellents containing DEET, citing it as the most effective ingredient against tick bites. He also emphasized the importance of thorough tick checks on oneself and pets after outdoor activities.
In the event of a tick bite, Earl stressed the significance of identifying the tick species. “Don’t dispose of it if you find one attached to you, as each tick species may carry different diseases,” he cautioned.
Earl further suggested bringing the tick to the health department for identification to assess the risk of disease transmission.
Despite the looming threat of ticks, Earl encouraged West Michiganders not to forego outdoor activities. “We want people to enjoy the outdoors,” he affirmed. “This is just one aspect to bear in mind.”
As temperatures climb and outdoor ventures beckon, West Michigan residents are urged to remain vigilant against ticks, armed with knowledge and precautionary measures to safeguard against potential health risks.
Read more: The Haunting Sounds Of The Titan Sub Search: A Glimpse Of Hope In The Vast Abyss
