Expert says what to expect, how to stay safe during tick season

OLD TOWN, Maine (WABI) - As we enter summer here in Maine, people are prepping their grills and their camps to enjoy the nice weather. Another thing people should be prepared for are ticks.

At the University of Maine’s Tick Lab, they receive thousands of ticks for species identification, DNA testing, and possible hot spot locations.

“The most common species that we’re likely to encounter here in Maine are something called the deer tick or black-legged tick and the American dog tick. Now, these do pose very different risks,” says Tick Lab Coordinator Griffin Dill.

Deer ticks are the cause for most tick-borne pathogens, including Lyme disease. While dog ticks can carry illness, they are mostly just a nuisance here in Maine.

To spot the difference, dog ticks are usually larger with a creamy color while deer ticks have a black plate-like appearance on their backs.

As tick season arrives, Dill says it has been an average start.

However, Dill says cases of Lyme disease and other tick-borne pathogens have been on the rise in the past 15 to 20 years. This is most likely due to the increase of deer ticks as they spread from South to North and to the Downeast region.

While taking tick precautions before hiking or being out in the forest is common, Dill recommends taking precautions anytime you are outside.

“What we found from the submissions coming in the lab here and an accompanying survey that’s done is that most of the people that send in ticks to us pick them up in the home landscapes,” describes Dill. “When they’re out doing yard work, gardening, playing outside, taking the pets outside. So, even in those kinds of instances that are just going outside for a short period of time, it’s really important to take some personal precautions to protect themselves.”

He says deer ticks are most often found in and on the edge of forested areas, mainly in shady areas as the sun can quickly dry them out. Dog ticks, however, can be found in lawns, on buildings, and other open exposed areas.

To prepare yourself before heading outdoors, Dill recommends:

• Wearing protective clothing and gear to keep the ticks away.
• Wearing light-colored clothing to spot ticks if they do jump on you.
• Using EPA and CDC-recommended insect repellents.

If you do find a tick on yourself, a child, or a furry friend, Dill says it’s imperative to remove it as fast as possible. Be on the lookout for rashes and flu-like symptoms afterwards, as those are indicative of tick-borne illnesses.

Lyme disease and other tick-borne pathogens are highly treatable, Dill says. If left untreated, the pathogens can spread and affect your heart, cognitive abilities, or joints and muscles.

For more information, or if you would like to send in a tick to the UMaine Tick Lab, visit their website.