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What 2 Know about tick season in WNY

May is Lyme Disease Awareness month and it's that time of the year where ticks are more prone to being out in the yard.

CHAUTAUQUA COUNTY, N.Y. — It's tick season in Western New York, and many people need to keep an eye out for the little bugs that can really pack a punch if they latch onto yourself, or pets. 

The Chautauqua County Health Department is encouraging all residents to take precautions while enjoying outdoor activities.

May is also Lyme Disease awareness month, and can be caught via a tick bite. When a blacklegged (Deer Tick) attaches to a human it can spread what is referred to as it's 'bacterium Borrelia burgdorferi' through a bite. 

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, typically a tick must be attached for more than 36 hours to be able to transmit the Lyme disease causing bacterium. So it is important to check yourself immediately after being outdoors for any. 

“Not all ticks cause disease and not all tick bites will make you sick, but it's important to learn how to prevent a bite, how to remove a tick and what to do if you think you were exposed to a tick-borne disease,” said Jessica Wuerstle, Director of Environmental Health.

In Chautauqua County Lyme Disease has doubled in cases since 2014 the health department reported. 

According to the Chautauqua County Health Department "Deer ticks live in shady, moist areas at ground level. They cling to tall grass, brushes and shrubs, usually no more than 18- 24 inches off the ground. They also live in lawns and gardens, especially at the edges of forested areas and around old stone walls. Ticks cannot jump or fly onto a person; they wait in vegetation and cling to animals or humans that pass by. Once a tick gets on the skin, it generally climbs upward until it reaches a warm, protected area of the body."

Here are the following steps to take when looking for ticks

  • Wear light-colored clothing with a tight weave to spot ticks easily.
  • Wear enclosed shoes, long pants and a long-sleeved shirt. Tuck pant legs into socks or boots and shirts into pants.
  • Check clothes and exposed skin frequently for ticks while outdoors.
  • Consider using insect repellent that contains DEET, picaridin or oil of lemon eucalyptus. Follow the label directions
  • when using repellents and apply in small amounts, avoiding contact with the eyes, nose or mouth.
  • Stay on open, well-traveled trails. Walk in the center of trails and avoid dense wooded and bushy areas.
  • Avoid sitting directly on the ground or on stone walls.
  • Keep long hair tied back.
  • Bathe or shower as soon as possible after going indoors (preferably within two hours) to wash off and more easily find ticks that may be on you.
  • Do a final, full-body tick check at the end of the day (remember to check children and pets) and remove ticks quickly

Below is a picture example on how to properly remove a tick 

Credit: Tick removal

When a person finds a tick it is best to remove it immediately with find point tweezers. Making sure to grasp it as close to the skin, and firmly pulling it out in one piece. 

To learn more visit www.health.ny.gov/diseases

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