Purdue News

June 11, 1999 Fight the bite, don't let ticks ruin your summer fun WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. -- Purdue University's Department of Entomology has been flooded with calls about ticks this spring, said Purdue entomologist Ralph Williams. The callers are concerned about how to protect themselves and their families and pets from these blood-sucking parasites and the diseases they transmit. Ticks are a host for bacteria that can enter the body as the tick burrows into the skin. In some cases, untreated tick bites can cause serious illness. The American dog tick is the most common species of tick found in outdoor areas, but it is the deer tick that has become a primary concern. That tick, most commonly found in the northwestern quarter of Indiana, is the main carrier of Lyme disease, which causes numerous symptoms from a mild rash to severe long-term illnesses such as nerve damage, arthritis and heart problems. According to Williams, individuals can still safely enjoy the outdoors, as long as they follow the necessary precautions. "When venturing outdoors in potential tick-infested areas, personal protection is the best advice," he said. He recommends wearing protective clothing, such as long pants and long-sleeved shirts, as well as applying an EPA-registered insect repellent to shoes, socks and pants. "It's best to stay on established trails when hiking or walking through wooded areas and to avoid brushing against vegetation," he said. "It's also important to check yourself, children and pets for ticks after being outdoors." If a tick is found attached to the skin, Williams recommends removing the insect by grasping it as close to the surface of the skin as possible with blunt forceps or tweezers and then gently pulling upward with steady and even pressure. "It's important not to squeeze or puncture the tick or handle the tick with bare hands, because infectious agents can enter the body," he said. "After removing the tick, disinfect the bite site, wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water, and consult a physician immediately if a rash or flu-like symptoms develop." For more information, contact Williams at (765) 494-4560, send e-mail to ralph_williams@entm.purdue.edu or visit the Purdue Extension Service entomology Web site. Source: Ralph Williams, (765) 494-4560, ralph_williams@entm.purdue.edu Writer: Kelly Lucas, (765) 494-8402, news_students@aes.purdue.edu Purdue News Service: (765) 494-2096; purduenews@purdue.edu To the Purdue News and Photos Page