Lots of us are excited about spring arriving to New York State. Warm temperatures have made many of us excited to get out of the house and spend some much-needed time outdoors.

Unfortunately, there are also some downsides to nice weather arriving so soon, including the return of a dangerous pest. Here’s what you need to know.

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Tick Season Has Arrived In New York State

The more time you spend outside this spring, the more you need to be on the lookout for ticks. As we head into warmer weather, officials warn that ticks have arrived in New York State earlier than normal, thanks to the relatively mild winter we had across the North East.

Tick
Canva
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The tiny, blood-sucking bug, found in grass or other low-growing plants, can grab onto you or your pet, causing severe health problems. Ticks carry a host of diseases - the most common being Lyme disease. But ticks can also transmit many other illnesses, including some that are fatal.

Serious Tick Bite Symptoms

If you think that a tick has bitten you, keep a lookout for these symptoms that could be serious:

  • Body Aches And Pain
  • Fever/Chills
  • Headaches
  • Fatigue
  • Rash

How To Protect You And Your Pet From Tick Bites

It’s important to protect yourself, your family, and your pets from the deadly diseases that can come from a tick bite.

According to the CDC, here are some things you can do to prevent tick bites this spring in New York State.

While You’re Outdoors

  1. Wear long pants and sleeves when outdoors
  2. Avoid tall, grassy areas and stay in the center of all trails
  3. Treat your clothes, shoes, and camping gear with 0.5% permethrin
  4. Use an EPA-approved insect repellent

Once You’re Indoors

  1. Check your clothing and skin for ticks
  2. Examine your pets and any gear you brought with you
  3. Shower within two hours to reduce your risk of catching disease

When checking yourself for ticks, be sure to look at every nook and cranny of your body. Ticks can hide in places you might not even realize, like under your arms or in your belly button. The picture below shows everywhere you should search for a potential tick.

Where on your body to check for ticks
CDC.gov/Canva
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Stay Safe From Ticks This Spring In New York State

For months, we’ve been looking forward to getting outside in nature and soaking up some sun, and we should enjoy it! But it’s important to stay vigilant and keep an eye out for ticks at all times, so that you, your family, and your pets can stay healthy this spring.

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