Pet owners seeing more ticks due to mild winter weather

AGAWAM, MA (WGGB/WSHM) - Despite the colder temperatures that have settled in now, our overall milder winter has created the perfect environment for ticks. With the exception of a few snowstorms and cold spells, winter in western Massachusetts has been mainly mild and that means ticks are alive and well and it’s something to be aware of when you or your pets are outside, especially in grassy areas of a park or on a walk.

“People think that when it’s cold outside that ticks and other insects, or other arachnids for example, are gone, but as long as it’s above 35 degrees, that means they could have snow on the ground and if you take your dog out, you could absolutely pick up ticks on your animals,” said Natasha Wright, an entomologist with Braman Termite and Pest Elimination.

Wright told Western Mass News that there are two types of ticks everyone should be aware of: the American dog tick and the deer tick.

“It usually takes about 24 hours for that tick to actually cement itself into the skin. It’s actually like a cement-like substance in their saliva, so they’re spending that first day just attaching themselves. If you dislodge or get rid of that tick in that first 24 hours, you’re a lot less likely to get any disease organism,” Wright added.

If not caught sooner, both humans and dogs could receive consequential health issues, such as Lyme disease

“(They’re) not lethal, but they can make the rest of your life complicated, so Lyme disease, for example, can cause respiratory and cardiac problems if left undiagnosed,” Wright explained.

Wright suggested that you and your dog go on a paved or clear dirt path and away from outer vegetation to avoid possible tick exposure, but there is more you can do as well.

“If you’re worried about your dog getting Lyme disease, get them vaccinated. It’s the best way to protect your dog. As far as people, wearing repellants. There is repellant made for skin. There is repellant made for clothing. Make sure you have the right one for the right usage,” Wright said.

Wright noted that there are also pesticide treatments for the lawn that can target ticks.