Once inside, they recommend putting clothes in the dryer for 10 minutes before washing to kill ticks, and to perform a thorough tick check with eyes and fingers. To prevent tick bites, scientists and public health experts say it's important to wear EPA-approved repellent and stay on trails. "Anaplasma and babesiosis are more likely to lead you into an ICU in a hospital if you're in those high risk categories, actually than as Lyme disease, so they're very significant diseases for us to be aware of," he says. Smith says cases of anaplasmosis and babesiosis are also on the rise, and they're of particular concern for adults over age 65 and for people with compromised immune systems. But in fact, studies have shown that early on the rash of Lyme disease is often a simple red circle or oval patch." "There's a lot of belief that if it's not a bullseye it couldn't be Lyme disease. "It's initially not necessarily a target lesion," he says. Rob Smith of the Maine Health Institute for Research says it's important to be aware of symptoms of Lyme, including a rash that develops at the site of the bite, which is found in 80% of cases. Enter your zip code in the search bar below to see a list of local and licensed exterminators.Dr. Find a Tick Exterminator in Maine TodayĪs there are a number of different kinds of ticks in Maine, many of which can transmit dangerous pathogens that pose serious health risks to humans and animals, consider contacting a licensed pest control professional to handle any tick issues in or around your home. If a rash develops within 30 days, or if the bite area begins to resemble a bullseye with reddish rings, consult a medical professional. Ticks cannot easily be crushed, so consider flushing it down the toilet or drain. Submit a tick to the Tick Lab for identification or disease testing. Once grasped, pull the tick straight out in a careful but consistent motion - making sure not to twist or wiggle the tick. Protect Yourself from Ticks and Tick-Borne Diseases. Do not grab the tick’s body, as it could cause the tick to regurgitate into the wound and cause infection. Use a pair of tweezers or a tick removal kit to remove the tick, pinching the tick as close to the skin as possible. If you discover you have been bitten by a tick, be sure to promptly and properly remove it. Ticks in Maine can be carriers for Lyme disease and other illnesses. What to Do If You Are Bitten by a Tick in Maine Wear insect repellent with at least 20% DEET.Also inspect family pets, as ticks commonly latch onto dogs and cats. Always perform a full inspection of yourself and others after spending time outdoors.Do not walk through brush or heavily wooded areas. If you are walking, hiking, or spending time in a park, stay on the trail.It is recommended that anyone who is hiking or spending a prolonged amount of time outdoors wear long pants, long-sleeve shirts, and closed toe shoes.Nearly half of all the ticks collected for the 2019 University of Maine Extension Tick Surveillance Program tested positive for at least one pathogen, such as those responsible for causing Lyme disease and babesiosis.įollow these steps to prevent tick bites and infection: These ticks can spread illnesses such as Lyme disease, anaplasmosis, babesiosis, Borrelia miyamotoi disease, and Powassan encephalitis. Are Ticks “Bad” in Maine?Īs stated above, there are fifteen different types of ticks in Maine. Although most ticks are found during these months, it is important to note that ticks can remain active as long as the temperature does not drop below freezing. The first is from April to May and the second is from June to early July. During this stretch of time, there are two peaks. Plus, additional ticks that can be found in Maine include:Īccording to the University of Maine, tick season in the state is from early spring to late fall. There are fifteen different types of ticks in Maine.The three most common types of ticks found in Maine are the American Dog Tick, the Blacklegged (Deer) Tick, and the Woodchuck / Groundhog Tick. Early detection and removal is essential to preventing an infection. Always perform a tick check on yourself, loved ones and pets to spot any ticks that may have latched on after spending any amount of time outdoors. Ticks are not only found in the wild but can be found in homes, on clothing, on family pets, on horses, or on local walking trails. Residents of this lush, wooded state should always be careful when spending time outdoors. Maine has a variety of ticks that can carry diseases capable of infecting humans and pets.
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