Fort Collins Tick Season is Here, Ticks Not Social Distancing
A note on the Loveland neighborhood watch page on Facebook reminded me that it's not just the coronavirus we need to watch out for, but that tick season is here as well.
As the 2020 tick season begins, residents are already complaining about ticks along the front range. The warmer weather is bringing people outdoors to do acceptable outdoor "social distancing," and the ticks are ready to capitalize on this.
Over 30 species of tick can be found in Colorado, which can carry harmful diseases for both humans and animals.
Connie Brown warned people on Facebook:
Just a reminder tick season is here... I found that first hand. We decided to take the camper out this week to a lake we are members at that is just outside of Berthoud, this morning I found a tick starting to embed itself on the back of my neck. Please parents while getting those kiddos outdoors for some fresh air remember to do tick checks!
The CDC gives clear outlines on the best practices to avoid ticks, and what to do if you get bit.
Precautionary Practices:
Use a tick repellent that contains 20% or more of DEET, picaridin, or IR3535 on exposed skin.
Wear permethrin-treated clothing.
Treat clothing, gear, boots, socks, and tents with products containing 0.5% permethrin. Do not apply to skin.
Perform a tick check after being in wooded, bushy, or grassy areas.
What if I Find a Tick on Me?
If you find a tick on you, follow the steps below. You will need a pair of fine-tipped tweezers, a sealed plastic bag/container, and disinfectant.
First, place the tweezers as close to the tick’s head as possible.
Then gently squeeze with the tweezers as you pull upward with steady, even pressure.
Clean the bite area and your hands with rubbing alcohol, iodine scrub, or soap and water.
Dispose of a live tick by submersing it in alcohol, placing it in a sealed container for later identification, wrapping it tightly in tape, or flushing it down a toilet.
You can also visit www.cdc.gov.ticks/removing_a_tick.html for more information.