With temperatures quickly warming up and with the relatively mild winter we had, tick season is expected to approach full swing soon, and residents of the Ozarks should be ready to take preventative measures against them.
A yearly occurance in the Ozarks, populations have been increasing as winters have not been consistently cool the past few years. This presents a real problem to residents, as all major species of ticks in the Ozarks are known carriers of multiple diseases. One of the most well known is Alpha-Gal Syndrome, which is an allergic condition triggered by bites from the Lone Star tick. Alpha-Gal triggers an allergic response in those who have it when they consume products from a mammal, such as dairy or meats.
The CDC suggests for prevention of tick bites to treat clothing and gear with products containing 0.5% permethrin. Permethrin can be used to treat boots, clothing and camping gear and remain protective through several washings. Alternatively, you can buy permethrin-treated clothing and gear.
Additional measures include using products such as DEET, which are safe to use on exposed skin.
To read up on information on the arachnid parasites, click here to be directed to the MDC’s field guide entry.
