Ticks are present at Holcomb Farm. Those of us who walk the trails have noticed an increase this spring over prior years. This is consistent with recent reports from the Connecticut Agricultural Experiment Station which reports a significant increase in the number of ticks submitted by the public for identification. It also reports an increase in the level of various diseases present in the ticks it has examined. Ticks in Connecticut can cause 11 different diseases—the most common is Lyme Disease for which there is currently no vaccine.
Reduce the risk
First, wear light-colored clothing so that ticks can be identified and removed. Second, tuck pant legs into socks. Third, use chemical repellents containing DEET, permethrin or picaridin. Clothing treated with permethrin can also be purchased. Last, after a visit to an area with ticks, check the entire body for ticks and remove them. If they are attached, remove them with tweezers. The Agricultural Experiment Station reports that a tick needs to be attached for 36 hours in order to transmit Lyme Disease.
For additional information, consult the National Institute of Health online magazine, magazine.medlineplus.gov, and search for Understanding and Preventing Tick Bites.
Don’t let ticks sideline you from enjoying nature, but please minimize your risks.