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Tick Safety Reminder: What You Should Know Before Spending Time Outdoors
Tick Safety Reminder: What You Should Know Before Spending Time Outdoors
Ticks may be small, but their impact on human health can be significant. As professionals who work closely with the land—whether in forestry, agriculture, recreation, or land management—understanding the risks associated with ticks is critical for your safety and well-being.
Tick Awareness Is a Year-Round Responsibility
Tick exposure can occur during all seasons, including winter. While tick activity typically peaks between April and September, adult deer ticks become active again in the fall and may remain so during warm winter spells. This means that vigilance should not end with the summer months.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates that approximately 476,000 Americans are diagnosed with and treated for Lyme disease each year. In addition to Lyme disease, more than 15 other tick-borne pathogens have been identified since 1981, many of which may cause significant or long-term illness.
Tick-Borne Diseases: Expanding Risks
Tick populations and the range of tick-borne illnesses are growing. Regions across the United States—including areas where AFM Real Estate operates—are increasingly affected by expanding tick habitats and increasing infection rates. Studies conducted in states like Michigan and Maine have revealed the presence of ticks carrying multiple infectious agents, some with co-infection rates of 25% or more in certain regions.
Relevant research can be viewed here:
Tick Identification: Know What to Look For
Ticks that transmit disease are not always easy to spot. For example, the Black-Legged Tick (commonly known as the Deer Tick) in its nymph stage is roughly the size of a poppy seed. Yet even at this small size, it can transmit Lyme disease and other infections. Recognizing tick species and their size at different life stages is essential for proper identification and risk assessment.
For assistance with identification, consult this guide: Tick Identification Resource (TickSafety.com)
Prevention: Best Practices for Field and Forest Professionals
For anyone working or spending time in forested, grassy, or brushy environments, assuming the presence of ticks is prudent. Prevention is the most effective strategy for avoiding tick-borne diseases.
Recommended prevention strategies include:
- Performing a daily tick check. The bacteria responsible for Lyme disease are believed to require at least 24 hours to be transmitted after a bite.
- Wearing permethrin-treated clothing. This repellent is proven effective against ticks. Commercially treated garments may remain effective through approximately 70 washes; spray treatments typically last for about six washes.
- Using EPA-approved tick repellents on exposed skin.
- Avoiding high brush and tall grasses by walking in the center of trails.
Additional information on prevention can be found here: Tick Prevention Strategies – LymeDisease.org
Safe Tick Removal
If a tick is found attached to the skin, it should be removed promptly using a pair of pointy tweezers. Grasp the tick as close to the skin's surface as possible and pull upward with steady, even pressure. Avoid using folklore remedies such as applying petroleum jelly, burning the tick, or twisting, as these can increase the risk of infection.
For detailed removal instructions, visit: Proper Tick Removal Guidelines – TickSafety.com
Symptoms and Diagnosis of Lyme Disease
While the presence of a bullseye-shaped rash is a diagnostic indicator for Lyme disease, not all individuals will develop a rash or recall being bitten. Symptoms can vary widely and may affect neurological, cardiac, and musculoskeletal systems. Being aware of both early and late-stage symptoms is critical for timely diagnosis and treatment.
More information is available through these resources:
Treatment Considerations
Current medical guidelines typically recommend that treatment not begin unless symptoms are present, even following a known tick bite. Familiarity with treatment protocols can help individuals advocate for appropriate care when symptoms do arise.
A useful reference is the ILADS Treatment Guidelines.
Conclusion
Tick-borne illnesses are on the rise and becoming increasingly complex. Prevention, early recognition, and informed response are essential to minimizing risk. Whether you work the land, manage property, or enjoy recreational time outdoors, make tick safety a regular part of your personal and professional routine.
If your work regularly brings you into natural areas, consider formal training or updated safety practices related to tick awareness as part of your field preparedness.