The Sun is Out and So Are the Ticks! 

Pennsylvania is home to wildlife of all shapes and sizes, including more than 25 species of ticks! While tick exposure can happen year-round, these small parasites are most active during warmer months and are well-known carriers of Lyme disease. The Commonwealth regularly leads the nation in cases of Lyme disease, with 6763 cases confirmed in 2019. 

The CDC states that reducing tick exposure is the best defense against Lyme disease. Remember, ticks live in grassy, brushy, or wooded areas, or even on animals. Many people get ticks in their own yard or neighborhood. Township public works and park maintenance employees can come into contact as part of their employee duties. When outdoors, treat your clothing and gear with anti-parasite products containing 0.5% permethrin, and use EPA-registered insect repellents. When you return indoors, check your clothing, bags, pets, and skin. The CDC also recommends showering within two hours of coming back inside as this may help wash off unattached ticks and it is a good opportunity to do a tick check. Stay safe!