Tick-borne Diseases Prevention

Blacklegged ticks, also known as deer ticks, live in shady, moist areas at ground level. They will cling to tall grass, brush and shrubs, usually no more than 18-24 inches off the ground. They also live in lawns and gardens, especially at the edges of woods and around old stone walls. Deer ticks cannot jump or fly, and do not drop onto passing people or animals. They get on humans and animals only by direct contact. Once a tick gets on the skin, it generally climbs upward until it reaches a protected area. In tick-infested areas, the best protection is to avoid contact with soil, leaf litter and vegetation. However, if you garden, hike, camp, hunt, work, or otherwise spend time in the outdoors, you can still protect yourself and your pets…

  • Wear light-colored clothing with a tight weave to spot ticks easily.
  • Regularly check for ticks on yourself when outside and shower promptly after outdoor activity.
  • Consider using insect repellents following instructions on label.
  • Wear enclosed shoes, long pants and a long-sleeved shirt. Tuck pant legs into socks or boots and shirt into pants.
  • Consult your veterinarian about treating your dog or cat with tick-killing pesticides (acaricides), and using tick collars.
  • There is no evidence that tick-borne pathogens, including POW/DTV, can be transmitted by eating deer meat.

www.cdc.gov/ticks/avoid/on_people.html
www.health.ny.gov/publications/2825/

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Contact ยป

Lee Ann Sporn, Ph.D.
Professor, Biology
Paul Smith’s College
Paul Smiths, NY 12970
lsporn@paulsmiths.edu
518-637-2279 (cell)
518-327-6326 (office)