ASK THE HORT AGENT

Question Why should I be concerned about ticks in my yard?

Answer Ticks are important because of 3 diseases they may potentially transmit. They are Rocky Mountain spotted fever, Lyme disease and ehrlichioses.

Rocky Mountain spotted fever (RMsf) is the most common tick disease in North Carolina. It was first recognized in 1896 in the Snake River Valley of Idaho and was originally called “black measles.” Although RMsf was first identified in the Rocky Mountain states, less than 3% of the U.S. cases are reported from that area. North Carolina and Oklahoma account for a third of all RMsf cases in the U.S. Maybe it should be called “Rocky Mount spotted fever.”

Lyme disease is the least common in North Carolina, but very common in the north eastern United States. Lyme disease is named after Old Lyme, Connecticut, where it was first discovered. Ehrlichioses is probably not as well known, because its name is difficult to pronounce.

Although ehrlichioses can cause a severe illness, it is rarely fatal. RMsf can be fatal. Lyme disease will make you wish you were dead. All three are bacterial diseases and can be treated with antibiotics. It is important to catch them early. The symptoms for these diseases are similar. Contact your physician if you develop flu-like symptoms 2 to 21 days after a tick bite.

There are 4 predominant disease carrying ticks in North Carolina. These are the American dog tick, the brown dog tick, the Lone Star tick and the black-legged tick. Ticks can be targeted using conventional insecticide sprays. However, it helps to know when to spray. This is determined by tick presence and activity.

The American dog tick is the primary carrier for RMsf and possibly ehrlichioses. This tick is active in the spring, summer and fall. This species does not transmit Lyme disease.

The brown dog tick can be found during the summer in extremely high populations, but does not bite humans. Its name refers to the color of the tick and not the color of the dogs that it prefers. It can be found on white, black and other colored dogs.

The lone star tick is thought to be the primary carrier of ehrlichioses. While adult lone star ticks are abundant in the spring and summer, their babies are hatched in the fall. These baby ticks (larvae) are commonly referred to as “seed ticks”. After working in the yard, an unlucky victim may be covered with hundreds of these tiny parasites at one time.

Finally, the black-legged tick is the primary carrier of Lyme disease. Black-legged ticks are active in late fall, winter and early spring when the temperatures rise above freezing. This tick is commonly referred to as the “winter tick”.

Another good tactic for tick control is to deny them a host. Use repellents when working around the landscape. Take breaks to check for ticks. Wear bright clothing so it will be easier to spot a crawling tick. Buy a monkey to check your hair at night for ticks and fleas. Monkeys will also check the cats and dogs.

Consult your veterinarian. There are several types of tick control products on the market. Some of them work very well. These products can prevent your pets from becoming a tick breeding ground.

For info on ticks, check out http://www.ces.ncsu.edu/depts/ent/notes/Urban/ticks.htm If you have any pest questions, then call 910-893-7533 or email me at gpierce@harnett.org

Be sure to take your monkey to the vet if it is showing flu-like symptoms.

Gary L. Pierce

Horticulture Extension Agent

Harnett County