POCATELLO — Just hearing about ticks can send shivers down one’s spine. Sadly, this year, residents in eastern Idaho are noticing an uptick in tick encounters, likely due to a mild winter that’s created ideal conditions for these pests.
“We’ve received numerous calls from people hiking who are running into ticks,” noted Reed Findlay, an educator with the University of Idaho Extension in Pocatello.
Ticks are more than just annoying; they can transmit diseases such as Lyme disease, Rocky Mountain spotted fever, tularemia, and Colorado tick fever. Symptoms from these illnesses might include fever, chills, headaches, fatigue, and joint pain.
Findlay suggests that people should do a careful check on themselves, their children, pets, and clothes after being outdoors, as ticks can be tricky to spot until they latch on.
Tips for avoiding ticks outdoors
As hiking, biking, and camping season kicks off, here are a few straightforward tips to stay safer outside:
- Apply an EPA-approved insect repellent with at least 20% DEET.
- Wear light-colored, long-sleeved clothing and closed-toe shoes.
- Steer clear of tall grass, weeds, and overgrown foliage.
- Check yourself, kids, pets, and attire thoroughly for ticks before heading indoors.
- Pay extra attention during inspections to common hiding spots, such as underarms, around ears, belly buttons, behind knees, groin area, waist, and throughout hair and scalp.
Making your yard tick-safe
Ticks don’t just hang out on hiking trails—they flourish in thick vegetation and shaded spaces around homes.
To minimize tick presence in your yard, Findlay suggests:
- Maintaining regularly mowed lawns.
- Cutting tall grass and weeds near homes and fences.
- Removing leaf litter and debris.
- Creating a 3-foot barrier of wood chips or gravel around play areas, patios, and other high-traffic spots.
- Stacking firewood away from the house.
- Discouraging wildlife like deer, raccoons, and stray dogs from wandering into your yard.
Steps to take if you find a tick on yourself or a pet
Even with precautions, tick bites can still occur.
“Whatever you do, don’t squeeze the tick from the back,” Findlay advised. “Remove it as close to the skin as you can to prevent leaving any mouthparts stuck in the skin.”
To extract a tick, use fine-tipped tweezers or a dedicated tick-removal tool. Grasp the tick near the skin and pull straight up with steady pressure. Avoid twisting or jerking the tick during the process.
If any part of the tick remains in the skin or if symptoms arise after a bite, it’s important to seek medical help promptly to avoid infection or illness.
“As we enter the hottest part of the year, tick activity will ramp up,” remarked Jim Fredericks, vice president of public affairs for the National Pest Management Association. “Understanding where ticks hang out, how to limit exposure, and how to reduce their numbers at home can significantly help in staying safe and healthy this season.”
For more detailed information, visit University of Idaho extension in Bannock County.
