How to avoid Colorado tick-borne diseases

Colorado is home to nearly 30 species of ticks that can transmit dozens of tick-borne diseases and pathogens. Monica White, of the Colorado Tick-Borne Disease Awareness Association, joined me on my radio show last Saturday to share how serious tickborne diseases can be and how to avoid and treat them.

COTBDAA provides Coloradans and visitors information they need about ticks and the diseases they carry, how to prevent tick exposure, how to properly manage a tick bite, recognize infection, and how to advocate for proper care. They also provide support and resources for those who are already affected by tickborne diseases, including the devastating effects of late stage, persistent or chronic Lyme disease. White is well aware of how devastating tick-borne diseases can be. Her entire family suffered from Lyme disease that was misdiagnosed for seven years and they suffered life-changing consequences.

Ticks transmit over 20 pathogens (sometimes multiple ones) that may make humans, pets or wildlife sick from just a single bite. Many tickborne diseases initially start with mild to severe flu-like symptoms that may include fever, headache, sweats, chills, fatigue, muscle/joint pain, nausea, diarrhea, vomiting and rashes. Because symptoms can be vague, diagnosis may be difficult. Becoming familiar with ticks and the diseases they may transmit will help in the early recognition of illness. The earlier diseases are diagnosed and treated, the better the outcome. Brad Petersen, a frequent contributor and “fill in” host on my radio show, contracted Lyme disease that was not properly diagnosed for 4 years and he is still dealing with the effects. Petersen does not even remember being bitten.

White said ticks are around throughout the year but exposure tends to occur in the warmer weather. The ticks will congregate along paths in grass and brush. The can detect body odor, CO2, body heat and vibration which aid them in locating their prey. She advises doing frequent tick checks when in habitat where ticks live. Wear long pants and long sleeve shirts. Keep your shirt tucked in. Upon returning home place exposed clothing directly into a dryer on high heat for 10-20 minutes to kill ticks that may be clinging to the fabric. Shower as soon as possible after spending time in tick habitat.

The use of repellents applied to the skin can reduce your exposure to tick bites, too. It is important to keep in mind that insect repellents have varying degrees of effectiveness against ticks. Consumer Reports provides effectiveness ratings for both mosquitoes and deer ticks on a number of repellents that contain Picaridin, DEET and essential oils. Although DEET-containing products have been shown to be the most effective overall insect repellent for deterring mosquitoes, black flies and gnats, it is only effective at repelling ticks for brief time periods after being applied and then must be re-applied. Some products made with Picaridin, IR3525, as well as natural oils, including oil of lemon eucalyptus, have shown higher effectiveness against ticks.

Wearing Permethrin treated clothing is the most effective way to protect you from ticks, as well as mosquitoes and other biting insects. Permethrin kills ticks after only 5 to 30 seconds of exposure. It is both odorless and flame resistant after drying, and therefore offers excellent protection for hunters and outdoor workers. You may buy Permethrin spray to treat your clothing and gear at home or you may purchase pre-treated clothing, gear and pet protection from a variety of companies. Home treatments are generally effective through six washes.

If you find an embedded tick, use tweezers to grab it as close to the skin as possible and slowly pull straight out. It’s a good idea to save it in a small plastic bag or container to have it tested if you show symptoms. Not all ticks will embed and you may not even know you were bitten. If you have been in tick habitat and become ill, advise your doctor to aid in the diagnoses.

For a list of the more common ticks and tickborne diseases that you may encounter within Colorado or as you travel throughout the US go to www.coloradoticks.org .

Footnote:

My radio show on 104.3 FM The Fan will move from 9-11 a.m. on Saturdays to 10 a.m.-noon until the end of July.