East Texas temperatures, rain causing uptick in ticks

TYLER, Texas (KETK) – Experts said if people plan to be outside, they may want to be prepared as there will be an uptick in ticks due to warmer weather and an increase in rain.

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“Because the environment is a little bit more conducive for their survivability than last year when it was really, really dry,” Sonja Swiger, an entomologist with Texas A&M AgriLife Extension, said.

Gary Spence, owner of Spence and White Veterinary Hospital, said ticks can cause problems.

“Ticks are bad about diseases, they cause anaplasmosis, Babesia, and can cause Lyme disease,” Spence said.

Not only can the little parasite cause harm to people, but their pets as well.

“When it comes to humans, the biggest concern is that’s where those pathogens can be transmitted, too, while livestock don’t normally react to all of the pathogens, that ticks carry,” Swiger said.

Advice given is to keep lawns mowed, check pets for ticks, and stay away from tall grass and weeds.

“Wear, long pants and long socks, and tuck your pants into your socks so that the ticks can’t get up your pants,” Swinger said. “You want to put on some repellent, DEET is really good to put that on to keep the ticks away.”

If a person is bit by a tick, it is advised to use tweezers as close to the skin and pull the tick upwards.

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“Don’t twist it off because you’ll leave the head and you’ll end up having to have that head removed,” Spence said.

If that doesn’t work, experts said a person can use nail polish remover or a cotton ball soaked in liquid soap for 30 seconds to kill it. Afterwards, it is advised to follow up with a doctor to get tested for the diseases they may carry.

Experts said it is a common misconception that ticks are not an issue in urban areas or if their pets are indoor-only. There is always the chance a tick can be carried by a person or another animal.

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