Prevalence of Ticks in Pennsylvania Is High
The state Department of Environmental Protection has collected twice the number of blacklegged tick nymphs as compared to this time last year. This is especially concerning considering the extremely small, poppy seed-like size of the nymphs.
Remember these simple ways to reduce your chances of being bitten by ticks.
- Cover exposed skin with lightweight and light-colored clothing.
- Avoid tick-infested habitats such as areas dense with shrubbery or tall grass. (Editor’s Note: Tough in PA given all the “green!)
- Use an EPA-approved insect repellent.
- Once returning home, immediately check yourself, children, and pets for ticks;
- Take a shower immediately to remove ticks that may be crawling on your skin.
- When possible, dry clothing and gear in a dryer to kill any ticks.
Click here for more information on ticks and tick-borne diseases in Pennsylvania.