Daily Tick Checks a Must, Says UNH Professor

If you want to prevent Lyme disease, experts suggest that people should check for ticks every day, especially after spending any time outdoors in New Hampshire.

The Granite State has one of the highest incidents of Lyme disease, per capita, in the nation, according to experts like Alan Eaton, a Ph.D. and professor at UNH Cooperative Extension, who is speaking out about the disease and the dangers of ticks as part of the university’s outreach efforts before May, which is Lyme disease awareness month.

Eaton, who is an entomology specialist and coordinator of statewide integrated pest management programs, said the highest risk of tick bites starts in early May in the southern part of New Hampshire and then in the middle of the month in the northern part of the state. The high-risk period extends through June. If there is a lot of rain, the risk could extend into July, according to Eaton.

“Your risk of acquiring Lyme disease and other tick-borne diseases is largely affected by what you do,” Eaton said. “Performing a thorough tick check whenever you go outdoors during tick season is the most important and effective way to reduce your risk of being bitten.”

When looking to ticks, remove all clothing and check for ticks everywhere on the body. Blacklegged tick adults are 2 to 3 mm long; nymphs are 1 mm – about the size of a poppy seed or a speck of dirt, according to Eaton – and are harder to spot and feel.

“If you don’t have someone to help you check, use a hand held mirror, a full length wall mirror, and good lighting to see everywhere,” he added.

ALSO READ:

• Confirmed NH Records of Blacklegged Ticks
• Lyme and Other Tick-borne Diseases
• State of New Hampshire Tick-borne Disease Prevention Plan

When outdoors for any length of time, tuck your shirt into your pants and your pants into your socks. Wear tall rubber boots that are too smooth for most ticks to grab onto. Apply insect repellent and/or wear insect repellant clothing.

If you find a tick, remove it by grasping as close to the head as possible with a pair of tweezers. A tick “spoon” – a plastic spoon designed to pop off the tick, available at most pet stories – can also be used. After removing the tick, Eaton recommended cleaning the area with soap and water or rubbing alcohol.

“If the tick was attached for less than 24 to 36 hours, your chance of getting Lyme disease is minimal,” he said. “Nonetheless, it is a good idea to monitor the bite area and contact your healthcare provider if you notice any signs and symptoms of illness.”