Deer Ticks in Central Arkansas
In the United States, deer ticks, also known as blacklegged ticks, are the main carrier of Lyme disease. They are mostly found in humid, deciduous forests and their distribution is based primarily on their main host – the white-tailed deer. The nymph and the adult are capable of transmitting diseases such as Babesiosis, Anaplasmosis, and Lyme disease. In 2018, Lyme disease had approximately 23, 558 confirmed cases, which makes it the most common vector-borne disease in the United States.
Deer Tick Habitat
Deer ticks live in shady, moist areas at ground level, clinging to tall grass, shrubs, and brush, usually no more than 18-24 inches off the ground. Another common place they live is in gardens and lawns, especially near the woods or around old stone walls. Deer ticks are not usually found in the center of your lawn as they prefer the yard to border a more dense and wooded area. Ticks will live in ornamental gardens and plantings, or any habitat that has high humidity and shade.
Deer Tick Behaviors, Threats, or Dangers
Deer ticks bite, and the greatest risk of being bitten occurs during spring, summer, and fall. Adult ticks will emerge for a host in the winter when the temperature is above freezing. Nymphs and adult females are more likely to bite humans, and your risk for Lyme disease is greatly reduced if you remove the tick within 24 hours of being bitten. Ways to avoid being bitten include wearing long-sleeved shirts and pants (preferably light-colored so ticks will stand out) and wearing insect repellent that contains an EPA-registered ingredient, like DEET.
If you are dealing with deer ticks, it’s important to always enlist the help of a professional tick & mite control expert.
