The answer is YES!
Deer ticks are very common in the Northeast, especially in Connecticut. If you do plan on going for a hike or stroll near grassy plains or woodsey areas, be on the lookout for black legged ticks (deer ticks). As we approach the warmer months, you’re going to see more ticks and other little critters too. So, be on the lookout and make sure you perform regular tick checks when returning home!
It’s important to know that deer ticks are the ones that carry Lyme disease. Trust us, you don’t want to get one of these little buggers on you. Early detection and removal will always be your best bet to reduce your chances of contracting Lyme disease. AFC Urgent Care Norwalk has a guide to help navigate this season of Deer ticks and Lyme disease in Connecticut.
How Can I Avoid Deer Ticks This Spring and Summer?
The most obvious answer would be to avoid the outdoors to reduce the chances of coming in contact with a tick, but that’s not realistic. The majority of people are going to be outdoors for barbecues, in their yards, out on hikes, etc. exposing them to deer ticks. Luckily for you, we have created some tips on how to avoid them:
- Avoid tick-infested areas such as the areas between grassy plains and the woods (also known as the “edge”). Ticks usually latch onto you when you enter the woods or when you leave the woods
- Perform tick checks after being outdoors
- Wear appropriate clothing and tuck pant legs into socks
- Use a chemical repellent with DEET, Permethrin or Picaridin
- Keep your lawn cut short
What Should I Do If I Get Bitten By A Deer Tick?
The most noticeable symptoms after getting bitten by a deer tick is usually redness around the area in the shape of a bullseye and some itching. If a tick is still latched onto you, your first step is to carefully remove the tick by using fine tipped tweezers to firmly extract the tick. You don’t want to squeeze it out or twist it abruptly. Squeezing it runs the risk of body parts like the head and mouth being left behind in the skin. You also don’t want to pull on the tick abruptly as the tick can regurgitate spirochetes (bacteria containing Lyme disease) into your bloodstream.
Since Connecticut is notorious for Deer ticks and Lyme disease, it is important to seek medical attention to either remove the tick successfully (if you weren’t able to yourself) and to evaluate you for Lyme disease and other tick borne illnesses.
Should I Worry About Lyme Disease After A Deer Tick Bite?
It’s hard to tell whether you will or at what point you will get Lyme disease after a tick bite. The CDC suggests it’s after 36 hours, but you can never be too sure. If a deer tick has latched onto you, it’s important to take steps to remove the entire tick and to get evaluated for any tick borne related diseases. Fortunately, with early detection, Lyme disease can be cured with antibiotics. But, if left undetected for days or weeks, long term side effects like joint pain and issues with your nervous system can continue long after treating Lyme disease.
Get Your Deer Tick Removed At AFC Urgent Care Norwalk
If you’re uncomfortable doing it yourself, our medical staff is trained to remove deer ticks and can evaluate you for any tick related diseases. We highly suggest coming within 24 hours of being bitten to take action right away. Our doors are open 7 days a week making it convenient for you to walk-in anytime with no appointment needed.
If you prefer to make an appointment, you can make one online here.
