Invasive Ticks in Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania and its many walking trails and wooded areas are home to a number of different tick species. It is highly recommended that residents take certain steps to prevent tick bites, as they can transmit dangerous diseases such as Lyme disease.
Are There Ticks in Pennsylvania?
There are roughly 25 tick species in the state, but two of the most common types of ticks in PA are:
Plus the recent addition to PA of
Asian Longhorned Ticks
Are Ticks “Bad” in Pennsylvania?
There are indeed a great deal of ticks present in the state of Pennsylvania, particularly in more rural and suburban areas such as Happy Valley and Bucks County. Ticks can transmit a variety of illnesses, but the most common are Lyme disease and Rocky Mountain spotted fever. Due to the risk, PA residents should take the following steps to prevent tick bites:
- Wear long-sleeved shirts, closed-toe shoes, and long pants as much as possible when outdoors to help prevent exposure to ticks. It is also recommended you wear light colored clothing to make ticks easier to identify.
- If you’re walking in wooded areas, try to stick to the middle of the trail, and avoid heavy vegetation where ticks may be lurking. Always check your hair, clothes and legs after brushing against vegetation.
- After spending time outdoors, inspect yourself carefully for ticks. We also recommend inspecting pets and loved ones.
- Always wear insect repellent that has at least 20% DEET.
What to Do If You Are Bitten by a Tick in Pennsylvania
If you find a tick on you, take the following immediate actions:
- Expose the tick by pulling back any hair that may be blocking it.
- Grab the tick by the head with a pair of fine-tipped tweezers. Do not grab the tick’s body as this may cause it to inject blood into the skin.
- Pull the tick straight back until the head is removed from the skin. Do not twist or wiggle the tick.
- After the tick is removed, wrap it tightly in a tissue and place it in either a receptacle with a lid or flush it down the toilet. It is very difficult to crush a tick.
- Finally, wash your hands and the bite area with soap and warm water.
- If a rash develops, or you experience a fever, contact a healthcare professional.
Find a Tick Exterminator in PA Today
Because ticks can present serious health threats to humans and pets, we recommend contacting a pest control professional to handle any sort of infestation you may have on your property. Enter your zip code in the search bar below to see a list of local exterminators.
