Tiny Ticks: A Growing Threat

Blacklegged Tick Expansion Drives Lyme Disease Research in Ontario

Niagara, Ontario – A New Research Initiative at Brock University is focusing on the growing presence of Blacklegged Ticks, also known as deer ticks, and their potential to transmit Lyme disease and other dangerous illnesses. As any Hiker or Dog Walker can attest, Checking for Ticks is routine practice after being outdoors at this time of year. But with Tick populations on the rise across Ontario, Brock University Researchers want to spread awareness about the dangers of these pesky bloodsuckers by monitoring local Tick populations and testing them for pathogens that can spread diseases to humans and pets.

Monitoring tick Populations in Niagara

Biological Sciences Phd Student Nick Benton explains the difficulties of Tick Research,stating,”tick research is incredibly difficult because of how cryptic ticks can be.” He also states that “Being able to study the abundance and also identify if these Ticks are transmitting certain pathogens is important, not onyl for modelling the exposure risk for the greater community but also seeing trends into how these Tick ranges are expanding and potential disease risks in an area.” Benton and his team are currently collecting and testing Ticks in six areas across Niagara.

Their primary target is the Ixodes scapularis, commonly known as Blacklegged Ticks or Deer Ticks, which can transmit Borrelia burgdorferi, the causative agent of Lyme disease. These Ticks have a two-year life cycle consisting of four stages: eggs, larvae, nymphs, and adults.

Currently, nymphs and Adults are active, with the team focusing on sampling Nymphal Ticks. These tiny Ticks transmit pathogens and are exceptionally small, making them difficult to detect on the body before they pose a health risk. “The adults are the size of sesame seeds, and the nymphs are only the size of poppy seeds, so, imagine trying to find that on your body,” Benton says.

Expansion of Tick Populations Across Ontario

Fiona hunter, a Medical and Veterinary Entomologist at Brock, notes a clear expansion of Tick populations across Ontario. A Study completed in 2009 showed blacklegged Ticks in only four of 30 Ontario sites evaluated. “From 2009 to now, you can go out virtually anywhere in Niagara and pick up Ixodes scapularis – that is a major public health concern,” says Hunter.”We have this deadly Tick expanding its range; it started in southern Ontario, but it’s expanding its range northward.”

Climate Change and warmer Temperatures are key drivers for this expansion. Additionally, these Ticks feed on large ungulates like deer, so as deer populations increase, so do Ixodes scapularis populations. Mouse populations also play a role, as the smallest life stages of Ticks feed on mice. Good acorn years lead to more mice and, consequently, more deer Ticks.

Preventing tick-Borne Illnesses

Ticks don’t begin feeding right away, so awareness and rapid action can prevent serious illness. Benton advises,”It’s important to take out a Tick quickly,because the longer it feeds on you,the more likely it is to transmit pathogens into your bloodstream.”

If a Tick is attached, remove it with forceps or tweezers. “The most critically important thing is to make sure that you’re not damaging the Tick by burning, smothering or destroying it,” Benton says. “Get as close to the Tick’s head as possible, and gently and slowly pull it straight out, removing as much of the mouthparts as possible and keeping the Tick intact.”

Disclaimer: This article provides general facts about Ticks and Lyme disease. Consult with a healthcare professional for medical advice and treatment.

Other Tick Species and Pathogens

the Team is also monitoring for the American Dog tick, Groundhog Tick, and other species that can transmit pathogens. While Lyme disease is most well-known, Researchers also test for:

• Anaplasma phagocytophilum (Anaplasmosis)
• Babesia microti (Babesiosis)
• Powassan virus (powassan Virus disease)
• Rickettsia rickettsii (Rocky Mountain spotted fever)
• Borrelia bacteria (Tick-borne relapsing fever)

Although rarer than Lyme disease, these pathogens are growing in prevalence in North America. “the diseases caused by these pathogens can cause serious symptoms or even death if left untreated,” Benton adds. “We test for these extra pathogens so the community is aware of their presence and the risks a Tick bite from that area can possess.”

Research Results are expected mid-summer, with plans to inform the community. Benton states, “We want to translate our knowledge and resources into informing the community about potential risks in their surroundings…I have a passion for studying insects and for helping people – so I get to combine my passion for studying arthropods with helping people through medical entomology through this work.”

Understanding tick Habitats and Risks

ticks thrive in wooded and grassy areas, making outdoor enthusiasts particularly vulnerable. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (Cdc),Ticks are most active during the warmer months,but they can be found year-round in certain regions. Understanding their habitat and behavior is crucial for prevention.

Tick-borne Disease Prevalence

Lyme disease is the most common Tick-borne illness in North America and Europe. The Cdc estimates that approximately 476,000 Americans are diagnosed with Lyme disease each year. Early symptoms include fever, headache, fatigue, and a characteristic skin rash called erythema migrans. If left untreated, Lyme disease can lead to severe joint pain, neurological problems, and heart issues.

Comparative Analysis of Tick-Borne Diseases

Different Tick species transmit different pathogens, leading to a variety of diseases with varying symptoms and severity. Below is a comparison of some common Tick-borne diseases:

Disease	Pathogen	Primary Vector	Symptoms
Lyme Disease	Borrelia burgdorferi	Blacklegged Tick	Fever, headache, fatigue, erythema migrans
Anaplasmosis	Anaplasma phagocytophilum	Blacklegged Tick	fever, headache, chills, muscle aches
Babesiosis	Babesia microti	Blacklegged Tick	Fever, chills, fatigue, hemolytic anemia
Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever	Rickettsia rickettsii	American Dog Tick, Rocky Mountain Wood Tick	Fever, headache, rash, muscle pain

Frequently Asked Questions About Blacklegged Ticks

1. What are the primary concerns regarding the expansion of Blacklegged Tick populations?

   The increased risk of Lyme disease and other tick-borne illnesses due to the expanding range of these Ticks.

2. How does climate change contribute to the spread of Blacklegged Ticks?

   Warmer temperatures allow these Ticks to survive in previously inhospitable regions.

3. What steps can individuals take to protect themselves from Blacklegged Tick bites?

   Wear protective clothing, use insect repellent with DEET, perform thorough Tick checks after being outdoors, and remove any attached Ticks promptly.

4. What diseases can Blacklegged Ticks transmit to humans?

   Lyme disease, Anaplasmosis, Babesiosis, Powassan virus disease, and others.

5. Why is early detection and removal of Blacklegged Ticks critically important?

   The longer a Tick is attached, the higher the risk of pathogen transmission.

Have you encountered Ticks in your area? What precautions do you take? Share your experiences and questions in the comments below!

Tiny Ticks: A Growing Threat to Your Health & Safety

Tiny Ticks: A Growing Threat to Your Health & Safety

Ticks, often called “tiny ticks,” are becoming an ever-increasing concern. These small arachnids are more than just a nuisance; they can transmit various serious illnesses. Understanding the types of ticks, where they live, the diseases they carry, and how to protect yourself, your family, and your pets is crucial in our increasingly tick-populated world. This article provides critical details on tick bite prevention, tick removal, and tick-borne diseases.

What Are Ticks? Understanding the Basics.

Ticks are small parasitic arachnids belonging to the class Arachnida (which also includes spiders and mites). They are ectoparasites, meaning they live on the outside of their hosts, primarily feeding on the blood of mammals, birds, reptiles, and amphibians. The lifecycle of a tick is complex, involving several stages, each requiring a blood meal to progress. Understanding this lifecycle is key to effective tick control. They range in size, from very small to larger depending on their stage in their lifecycle (larvae, nymph, and adult) and if they are engorged with blood.

They pose a notable public health challenge due to the diseases they can vector, including but not limited to Lyme disease, Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever, and Anaplasmosis.

Common Types of Ticks in the United states

• Deer Tick (Black-legged Tick): Primarily responsible for transmitting Lyme disease, Anaplasmosis, and Babesiosis. Found in the Northeast, Midwest, and Mid-Atlantic regions. Also a vector for Powassan virus.
• Lone Star Tick: Can transmit ehrlichiosis, tularemia, and Southern Tick-Associated Rash Illness (STARI). Prevalent in the Southeast, East, and Midwest.
• American Dog Tick (Wood Tick): A major vector for rocky Mountain Spotted fever and tularemia.Found throughout the United States.
• Brown Dog Tick: Primarily found on dogs, can infest homes. Can transmit Rocky Mountain Spotted fever in some areas.

Knowing the ticks in your specific geographic area is critical for targeted tick identification and prevention efforts. Consulting with local health authorities or a pest control specialist can provide valuable localized information.

Tick-Borne Diseases: A Growing Threat

One of the most significant threats associated with ticks is the transmission of diseases. These diseases can cause a wide range of symptoms, from mild flu-like illness to severe, life-threatening conditions. Early detection and treatment are crucial. Tick-borne disease symptoms often mimic other illnesses, making diagnosis challenging.

Common Tick-Borne Diseases and Symptoms

the table below details some of the most prevalent tick-borne diseases in the U.S. and their associated symptoms. Early recognition of these symptoms is essential, and if you think there is a possibility you was bitten by a tick, seek medical attention immediately.

disease	Common Symptoms	Tick Species
Lyme Disease	Fever, headache, fatigue, and a characteristic “bullseye” rash (erythema migrans). Can lead to joint pain and neurological problems if untreated.	Deer Tick (black-legged Tick)
Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever	Fever, headache, rash (frequently enough on wrists and ankles), and muscle aches. Can be severe and lead to organ damage, particularly if undiagnosed.	American Dog Tick, Rocky Mountain Wood Tick, Lone Star Tick
Ehrlichiosis	Fever, headache, fatigue, and muscle aches. Less commonly, rash.	Lone Star Tick
Anaplasmosis	Fever, headache, fatigue, and muscle aches. Similar to ehrlichiosis but can also cause gastrointestinal problems.	Deer Tick (Black-legged Tick)
Babesiosis	Flu-like symptoms, more dangerous to those who have immune issues.	Deer tick

Always seek medical attention and inform your doctor if you find a tick on yourself or experience symptoms of a tick-borne illness.

Tick Prevention: Proactive Measures

Prevention is the first method of reducing your risk of tick bites and the diseases they can transmit. Employing a combination of strategies is generally the most effective approach for tick bite prevention.

Personal Protective Measures

• Use Insect Repellent: Apply insect repellent containing DEET, picaridin, or oil of lemon eucalyptus to exposed skin and clothing.Follow product instructions carefully.
• Wear Protective Clothing: Wear long sleeves, long pants, and consider tucking pants into socks when in areas where ticks are prevalent. Light-colored clothing can make it easier to spot ticks.
• Perform Tick Checks: Check yourself, your children, and your pets for ticks every few hours when spending time outdoors, especially after being in wooded or grassy areas. this includes checking skin folds, the back of the knees and in the hair

Protecting Your Yard

• Create a Tick-Free Zone: Remove leaf litter, clear tall grasses and brush around your home and the edges of your lawn.
• Use Landscaping for Tick Control: Consider using gravel or wood chips to create barriers between lawns and wooded areas.
• Consider Professional Help: If tick populations are high in your area, and you have a large property, consider hiring a professional pest control company specializing in tick control.

Protecting Your Pets

Pets are also at risk from tick bites, and ticks can hitchhike rides on your four-legged friends to get inside your home. Consult your veterinarian for recommended tick prevention products.

• Regular Tick Checks: Routinely examine your pets for ticks, especially after they’ve been outdoors.
• Use Tick Preventatives: Discuss tick prevention products like collars, topical treatments, or oral medications with your vet to protect your pet.
• check Pet Bedding: Regularly wash pet bedding to remove ticks and eggs.

Tick Removal: What to Do if You Find a tick

If you discover a tick attached to your skin or your pet, prompt and proper removal is crucial. Careful removal decreases the risk of disease transmission.

Step-by-Step Tick Removal

1. use Fine-Tipped Tweezers: Grasp the tick as close to the skin’s surface as possible.
2. Pull Upward with Steady, Even Pressure: Do not twist or jerk the tick, as this can cause the mouthparts to break off and remain in the skin.
3. Clean the Bite Area: After removing the tick, thoroughly clean the bite area and your hands with rubbing alcohol or soap and water.
4. Save the Tick: For later identification, place the tick in a sealed bag or container and save it per your health providers instructions. You may want to bring the tick to your health provider for testing.
5. Watch for Symptoms: Monitor yourself, your family, and your pet for signs of illness. See a doctor if you develop any symptoms of a tick-borne disease.

There are many myths surrounding tick removal. Avoid using methods like applying heat or petroleum jelly, as these are often ineffective and may increase the risk of disease transmission.

Resources and Next Steps

The threat of ticks is real and understanding this threat is the first step.Visit your local health authority web site, consult with your health care provider and vet.

For up-to-date information and resources, including additional tick bite prevention tips, visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) website ([https://www.cdc.gov/ticks/](https://www.cdc.gov/ticks/)) or your local health department.