Spring brings sunshine, warmer weather — and ticks. When ground temperatures are above 45 degrees, ticks become more active. Three different types of ticks are found in Eau Claire County. The Deer tick and Wood tick are the most common, while the Lone Star tick is also found, but in lower numbers. Ticks can carry bacteria and viruses that can cause diseases in humans, sometimes multiple in just 1 tick. Lyme disease is a common disease that is transmitted from Deer ticks.

Ticks found in Eau Claire County. (Submitted images)

“Using repellent and performing daily checks for ticks, on yourself, your family and your pets, are two of the most effective measures to prevent yourself from getting a tick-borne disease,” says Savannah Bergman, Chemist-Microbiologist II.

How to prevent tick bites:

• Use repellents with 20-30% DEET (or an alternative active ingredient) on exposed skin and clothing.
• Permethrin is effective against tick bites. It lasts for days to weeks on your clothing. Do NOT apply on skin.
• ALWAYS help children apply repellents. Apply according to the labeled instructions.
• NEVER apply repellents to infants under 2 months of age.
• Check with your veterinarian for tips to prevent Lyme disease in your pets.
• After being outdoors...
  • Check yourself, your children, and your pets for ticks. (Check the armpits, scalp, and groin areas!)
  • Take a shower or bathe as soon as possible. This will wash off any unattached ticks from your body.
  • Toss your clothes in the dryer on high heat to kill any remaining ticks.
    • 10 minutes for dry clothes; 60 minutes for wet clothes.

Remove ticks as soon as possible. In most cases, ticks must be attached for 36-48 hours or more before Lyme disease can be transmitted.

For more information about tick-borne diseases, visit ticks.echealthdepartment.org or visit http://www.cdc.gov/ticks/index.html.