TICK-TOCK…NATURE’S LITTLE TIME BOMBS

The warm weather is starting to return here in our home state of Pennsylvania, and the season for lacing up our new boots we received for Christmas and hitting the snow melted woods to look for sheds is upon us! But… there’s a few tiny little creatures we need to be cognizant about, TICKS!

These tiny things that often provoke a shiver down the spine are creatures that command both fascination and respect as they pose health risks to humans and our four-legged pets alike. One of the most notorious consequences of tick bites is the transmission of Lyme disease. This is perhaps the most well-known tick-borne illness, and climate change can influence the activity and abundance of ticks. My girlfriend Megan and I went shed hunting this past Saturday and we witnessed this firsthand.

• Warmth: Ticks are most active during warm weather. Temperatures between 60°F and 90°F (21°C to 32°C) are optimal for their activity. In cooler temperatures, ticks may become less active or enter a dormant state, while extreme heat can desiccate them. Ticks are most active during the spring and fall seasons when temperatures are moderate, and humidity levels are relatively high.
• Game Trails, Leaf Litter and Vegetation: Ticks seek out habitats with ample vegetation and leaf litter, where they can hide and wait for potential hosts to pass by.

WE'LL TAKE AVOIDING THE WOODS OUT OF THE PICTURE, BECAUSE WE ALL KNOW THAT'S NOT HAPPENING!

• Use Tick Repellents: Sawyer is a brand that we religiously use. They provide insect repellents such as DEET, picaridin, and permethrin for treating your clothes or applying to skin before heading out or while sitting in your tree stand. (Follow the product instructions carefully, especially when applying repellents to pets and children, and reapply as needed according to the label).

‍

Continue reading about more wats to keep yourself protected from ticks here.