CA Lyme Disease: Ticks Entering Most Active Time Of Year

CALIFORNIA — Spring is getting closer and with it comes the promise of relaxing picnics, rustic hikes … and ticks.

The likelihood of exposure to western black-legged ticks carrying bacteria that cause Lyme disease begins rising in March — when nymphal ticks become active amid the damp and mild spring weather — and remains high until June, according to the California Department of Public Health. The tiny ticks pose a greater risk of transmitting the disease than adults, which are active in winter.

“It is difficult to predict a ‘bad’ season because hard ticks have multi-year life cycles,” the state health department said in response to an email from Patch. “In California, nymphs of the western black-legged tick (Ixodes pacificus) are most active in late spring, with the highest numbers occurring in April and May. Tick activity is variable by region — California has a wide range of habitats and microclimates, which affect tick abundance at any given time.”

The current number of adult western black-legged ticks is similar to populations in the last three years, according to the department, citing state tick surveillance data.

So, where are the ticks and why should you worry about them?

They’re in shaded areas with grass, rocks, logs and leaves, where they’re waiting to latch on to a passing person or animal. Once that happens, an infected tick must feed off a host for at least 24 hours before it can transmit Lyme-disease-causing bacteria.

Ticks are particularly prevalent in the state’s northern coastal counties and the Sierra Nevada foothills, although they can be commonly found all along California’s coast.

Lyme disease could present three to 30 days after a bite in the form of a circular rash as well as cold or flu symptoms, but the illness can lead to more severe health problems over time. These include additional rashes, irregular heartbeats, vision loss and arthritis, according to the Mayo Clinic.

To protect yourself, use a tick repellent with at least 20 percent DEET, treat your clothing and shoes with permethrin, and pack a pair of tweezers for tick removal when going on an outing in nature, the state health department advised. Stay in the middle of trails and avoid contact with fallen branches, grassy areas or anywhere else ticks could be lying in wait. Check yourself for ticks and, if you find one, remove it with tweezers. Shower once back indoors.

Talk to a veterinarian about tick control medication for pets.

If you live in a particularly tick-prone area, keep your lawn well-maintained and clear of leaf litter, and place any yard furniture and playsets in sunny areas. Tick-killing pesticides are also available and some pest control companies provide tick management.

Take these steps and you will be better prepared for nymphal tick season.

“However, in California, there is tick activity year-round, so regardless of the weather, people should remain aware of the risk of encountering a tick when enjoying the outdoors,” the state health department said.