Which Ticks Transmit Lyme Disease?

Blacklegged ticks transmit Lyme disease, but there is more to this answer.

Though blacklegged ticks, sometimes called deer ticks, are the species responsible for Lyme disease transmission, the most prolific spreader is a blacklegged tick in its nymph phase. This is because, especially in the Northeastern United States, larval ticks often feed on mice, which carry the bacteria that cause Lyme disease. To further explain what larval ticks are, you might have heard them called seed ticks. Ticks in the larval stage must take a blood meal in order to molt into the next life phase, which is the nymph phase. Larval ticks do not transmit Lyme disease – they contract it from a forest animal.

Does This Mean Adult Ticks Do Not Transmit Lyme Disease?

Not at all. While larval ticks do not transmit Lyme and nymph ticks are rampant conveyors of the illness, adult blacklegged ticks do transmit Lyme disease. Lyme disease is the most common tick-borne illness, but there are other dangerous conditions caused by the bites of infected ticks, black-legged ticks being only one of the species here in Springfield. Therefore, tick control and tick bite prevention measures must be taken, especially during the spring and summer months.

What Can Be Done to Prevent Tick Bites in Springfield MA?

Tick bite prevention begins with you, at home, at work, or out and about in nature. Tick bites are best avoided by not encountering ticks in the first place. At your home and business, there are common practices you can engage in regularly to make your property less tick-friendly. You could be doing many of these things already – and if you are, great work!

Some of the ways to ensure your property is safer from the threat of tick invasions is to eliminate potential tick habitats and take repellent measures. By cleaning out leaf littler and lawn debris, you will lower your chances of harboring ticks on your property. Keep an eye on areas of your property that could become tick habitats, as well, and speak with your veterinarian about proper treatment for your pets to repel or eliminate ticks.

There are also tick bite prevention measures you can take when you are away from home, whether hiking, biking, camping, or partaking in any other outdoor activity. You can purchase permethrin treated clothing to repel ticks while enjoying nature. If you don’t want to invest in special clothing, you can wear what you have in the closet. Long pants, long sleeves, and pants that are gathered at the ankles or tucked into your socks is best. In addition, you might consider treating any exposed skin with tick repellents, such as oil of eucalyptus, DEET, or Picaridin. And remember to always perform a thorough tick check on yourself, your kids, and your pets after spending time among nature.

FUN FACT: Putting your outdoor clothing in the dryer for 10 minutes on high will eliminate any lingering ticks. It’s not necessarily the heat that kills the ticks, it’s the lack of moisture!

Search for Southampton tick control and contact Mosquito Squad!

Ready to discuss your tick control needs? Mosquito Squad of Springfield can help you deter and control mosquitoes, ticks, and myriad outdoor pests! Contact us at (413) 418-3359 or fill out our online form for a complimentary pest control assessment and quote.

Also read: How Long Does it Take a Tick to Attach?