Deer ticks have been a growing concern in the Northeast for years and it has become a pesky situation for many of us trying to enjoy the outdoors. Spring and summer time are the peak times for ticks and because Massachusetts has a lot of woodlands, it makes it the perfect habitat for deer ticks to populate, latch onto you, and just be a pest.

But deer ticks are more than just a pesky nuisance, they can also carry Lyme disease, a serious illness that can cause long-term health issues if left untreated. If you're worried about being bitten by a deer tick, here's what you need to know. AFC Urgent Care Springfield developed this helpful guide to clear up any doubts or concerns about deer ticks and lyme disease. 

What Are the Signs and Symptoms of a Deer Tick Bite?

When a deer tick bites you, it will often leave behind a small red bump. However, the most noticeable symptom of a deer tick bite is usually a red rash around the area in the shape of a bullseye. This rash can appear anywhere from three to 30 days after the tick bite and can sometimes be accompanied by flu-like symptoms such as fever, headache, and fatigue.

It takes up to 36 to 48 hours for a deer tick to fully infect you with Lyme disease, so if you discover a deer tick on you or it's been longer than 36-48 hours, then watch out for these symptoms of Lyme disease: fatigue, joint aches and pains, a target-shaped rash, and low-grade fevers or chills.

How Can I Avoid Getting Bitten by a Deer Tick?

Preventing deer tick bites is the best way to avoid contracting Lyme disease. Here are some steps you can take to protect yourself:

• Avoid wooded or grassy areas (The areas between the woods and grassy plains is where deer ticks can latch onto you).
• Keep your yard clean and grass cut.
• Use insect repellents with DEET or other EPA approved repellents on skin and permethrin on clothing.
• Wear long sleeves and pants when outdoors and tuck pants into socks if possible.
• Shower as soon as possible after being outside.
• Inspect your body for ticks after being outside; use a mirror or a partner for hard-to-see areas on your body.
• Keep your pets safe by performing a tick check because they too can get bitten and contract Lyme Disease.

Found a Deer Tick on You? We Can Remove It for You

If you find a deer tick on you, it's important to remove it as soon as possible. AFC Urgent Care Springfield is open 7 days a week and can help remove deer ticks for you. There is no appointment needed when visiting us. We also offer an online payment portal, making it easy for you to check in and check out after your appointment.

Our staff is medically trained to remove ticks, and we have the right tools to remove them. We highly suggest coming within the first 24 hours of finding a deer tick on you so we can remove it right away and assess the bite. If you develop any symptoms of Lyme disease, it's important to seek medical attention right away.