Wildlife Wednesday 05/21/2025

Happy #WidlifeWednesday! With Memorial Day weekend and summer months approaching, Ohioans are looking forward to spending more time in the great outdoors. This is the perfect time for some tips about ticks, as this is the most active season for the tiny parasites. 

There are three primary tick species of concern in our area. These are the American dog tick, the blacklegged tick (also called the deer tick), and the lone star tick. These ticks can transmit diseases including Lyme disease and Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever to humans and pets. 

Practicing tick safety will allow for an enjoyable time outside doing activities such as hiking, camping, and gardening. Ideal tick habitat consists of forests and woods as well as open areas with tall grasses and brush. To protect yourself, avoid these areas when possible and stay on trails when hiking.

Wearing light-colored clothing can be helpful as ticks will be easier to spot. Pants tucked into socks and boots and long-sleeved shirts will minimize skin exposure and tick contact. Gear can also be treated with insect repellents.

Be sure to keep your pets safe too. Ticks can be common even in neighborhoods, along road sides, and near leaf litter and high grass.  Monthly flea and tick prevention products are recommended, and there is even a Lyme disease vaccine available for dogs from your veterinarian. 

Upon completion of outdoor activities, checking yourself and your pets for ticks will minimize risk. Taking a shower and washing clothing right away also reduces chances of tick bites.

While it is important to be aware of ticks and related health threats, their existence should not discourage outdoor recreation and enjoyment of nature.