Ticks Out Early (You Can Thank A Mild El Niño Winter For That)

ACROSS AMERICA — A mild El Niño winter in much of the United States means ticks are out early and may already be attaching themselves to dogs — and you — and potentially spreading serious diseases.

The emergence of ticks, carriers of Lyme disease, babesiosis and other diseases, is usually a mid-spring occurrence, but even in typically wintry Minnesota, deer ticks were out in early February, according to pest-control officials in the Twin Cities.

A variety of tick species are found in different regions of the country. Some are found in only small pockets of the country while others are more widespread.

Diagnosing a tick-borne illness can be tricky because symptoms may not develop for up to 30 days in some cases. People who have been infected often feel like they have a cold or flu in the beginning. That’s when they should go to the doctor, because if left untreated, more serious complications, and even death in rare cases, may develop, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

The CDC monitors where tick-borne diseases have been reported and what you should do if you suspect you’re sick. Lyme disease is the most common tick-borne illness and is found in a range that includes the Midwest, Northeast and Mid-Atlantic regions, as well as the Pacific Northwest. Other common diseases spread by ticks include babesiosis, ehrlichiosis, Rocky Mountain spotted fever, anaplasmosis, Powassan virus disease, tick-borne relapsing fever and tularemia.

Ticks can make dogs sick with many of the same diseases as humans. Cats are susceptible to Lyme disease.

Because symptoms lag, the best thing to do is protect yourself against ticks when you’re in places they’re likely to be found — grassy, brushy and wooded areas, or even your backyard. Some tips from the CDC:

• Wear socks and boots, and tuck your pants into your boots. Cover your hair as well.
• Tick-specific insect repellents can help, too. Treat clothing and gear, such as boots, pants, socks and tents with products containing 0.5 percent permethrin.
• Talk to your veterinarian about tick treatments for cats and dogs.
• Check yourself for ticks daily, especially under the arms, in and around the ears, inside the belly button, behind the knees, between the legs, around the waist, and on the hairline and scalp.
• Shower soon after being outdoors.