Crawford County Health Department Encourages all residents To Look Out for Ticks

This month, the Crawford County Health Department joins their regional partners to provide information  about preventing tick bites. Ticks can spread serious diseases like Lyme Disease, ehrlichiosis, and Rocky  Mountain Spotted fever.  

Ticks are present in all Wisconsin counties. Ticks are most active from April to September and can be  active anytime the outdoor temperature is at or above 40 degrees Fahrenheit.  

To prevent tick bites: 

• WEAR insect repellent with 20% or more DEET. Wear a long sleeve shirt and pants while outdoors.  Spray clothing and outdoor gear with permethrin. 

• AVOID TICK-HEAVY AREAS. Ticks like to live in tall bushes and other vegetation. When walking on  trails, stay in the center and do not go off into the brush. 

• DO TICK CHECKS. Check your entire body after being outside, even if you were only in your yard.  Shower as soon as possible after coming in from the outdoors 

• TUMBLE DRY CLOTHES AFTER BEING OUTDOORS. Tumble dry your clothes on high heat for 10  minutes to kill any ticks that may have come in on your clothes. 

• PREVENT TICKS ON ANIMALS. Try to prevent pets from bringing ticks into your home by not allowing  them in tick-infested areas, and by using veterinarian-prescribed tick collars or spot treatment. 

Watch for fever or a rash. Even if you do not remember being bitten by a tick, a fever or rash may be the  first sign of Lyme disease. Symptoms of tickborne diseases may include fever, chills, muscle aches, fatigue,  headache, and rash (not in all tickborne diseases). Contact your doctor right away if you have any of these  symptoms.