The snow is gone, temperatures are mild, and the sun is shining! Unfortunately, we aren’t the only ones who love this time of year…deer ticks do too.
The tiny pests got off to an early start this year, thanks to the hottest recorded winter in history. Although Tick Season typically begins in April, deer ticks started emerging in March this year, an occurrence that was only worsened by recent rainfall.
Deer ticks – also called blacklegged ticks – are unfortunately common in the Lake George Region, and pack a considerable amount of danger in their tiny bodies. This particular species of tick is capable of transmitting a number of maladies to hosts, including Lyme disease. If the bacterial infection is left untreated, the joints, skin, and nervous and cardiovascular systems of the host can be negatively impacted.
Approximately 300,000 Americans are affected by Lyme disease each year, according to Science magazine, a startling statistic that shows how big of a problem ticks have become.
This spring and summer, get out and enjoy all that Lake George has to offer – like hiking and camping – but be sure to protect yourself and your pets from ticks. There are many precautionary measures you can take to lessen your chance of getting bitten, but if you ever think you may have suffered a bite, be sure to visit a doctor.
Learn more about these tiny pests and how you can protect yourself >>
Sources:
- Science magazine: “Lyme disease-carrying ticks are now in half of all U.S. counties”
- The Associated Press: “Tick season creeps up on Northeast”
