Several kinds of ticks live in Delaware, and they are active in more of the year than most people expect. A few simple habits go a long way toward avoiding bites.
Which ticks are here
Three ticks are commonly found in Delaware. Blacklegged (deer) ticks can carry the bacteria that cause Lyme disease.
Lone star ticks are linked to alpha-gal syndrome, a red-meat allergy. American dog ticks are also common.
Each looks a little different. Lone star ticks are often recognized by a white dot on the back of adult females.
Ticks have eight legs and are related to spiders. They feed on blood by attaching to a host, and the longer one stays attached, the more chance it has to pass something along.
When ticks are active
Blacklegged tick nymphs are about the size of a poppy seed, and they peak in late spring and early summer. Their size is why bites are so easy to miss.
Adult blacklegged ticks become active again in October and November, and they can show up on warm winter days. Tick season is not just summer.
Because nymphs are so small, many people never see the tick that bit them. That is why a full-body check is worth the extra minute.
On warm days in winter, ticks may become active again, so a mild stretch in January is still a good reason to check after outdoor chores.
Where they wait
Ticks do not jump or fly. They climb onto grass, shrubs and leaf litter and wait for something to brush past.
Wooded lot edges, tall grass, leaf piles, stone walls and deer trails are common hot spots. Yards that back onto woods or fields often see more ticks.
Pets can carry ticks into the house on their fur. Check dogs and cats, especially around the ears, collar and between the toes.
Prevention
Use an EPA-registered repellent and follow the label directions. Wear light-colored long pants in tall grass and tuck them into your socks, which makes ticks easier to spot.
Check everyone, including pets, after time outdoors. Showering soon after coming in helps you find ticks that have not attached yet.
Treating outdoor gear helps too. Boots, packs and jackets can pick up ticks on a hike, so give them a look before bringing them inside.
Treated clothing is available at outdoor stores, and some people use it for hiking or yard work. Follow the product directions and ask a pharmacist or your doctor if you have questions.
- Check behind knees, in armpits, in the hair and around the waistband
- Tumble clothes in a hot dryer to help remove ticks
- Ask your vet about tick protection for dogs and cats
Make the yard less tick-friendly
Keep grass short and clear leaf litter, especially along wooded edges. Create a dry buffer of wood chips or gravel between lawn and woods where practical.
Move play sets and seating away from the tree line, and stack firewood neatly away from living areas.
Deer and small mammals carry ticks around. Fencing, tidy brush piles and keeping bird feeders away from play areas can reduce the number of animals passing through.
If you hike, stay in the center of trails and avoid brushing against vegetation along the edges. Check yourself before getting back in the car.
If you find one attached
Grasp it close to the skin with fine-tipped tweezers and pull straight out with steady pressure. Don’t twist, burn or smother it. Clean the bite with soap and water or rubbing alcohol.
Save the tick in a sealed bag and note the date and where on the body you found it. That information can be helpful if you need to talk to a doctor.
Avoid folk remedies like petroleum jelly or a hot match. They can make the tick release more fluids or cause it to stay attached longer.
Wash your hands afterward. If part of the tick breaks off in the skin, don’t dig at it. Clean the area and ask your doctor if you are concerned.
When to see a doctor
Call your doctor if you develop a rash, fever, aches or fatigue in the weeks after a bite. If you are worried about a bite, it is always fine to ask. This guide is not medical advice.
Everyone reacts differently, and symptoms do not always look the same. If you are not sure whether something is related, a quick call to your doctor is the best way to find out.
Alpha-gal syndrome is a different issue, and it is an allergic reaction. If you think you may have it, your doctor is the right person to ask.
Who to call
If you keep finding ticks on family or pets, Mosquito & Pest Authority offers mosquito and tick barrier treatments for yards, using EPA-registered products applied according to the label. They also have an all-natural option. Call 302-257-6650 to talk through your property.
Pets can bring ticks into the house, so a regular check at the door is a good habit. Barrier treatments do not replace tick checks, but they can lower the number of ticks in the yard.
Common questions
Can ticks be active in winter in Delaware?
Yes. Adult blacklegged ticks can be active on warm winter days, and they are commonly active in October and November. Keep checking after time outdoors even when it is cool.
Do I need to keep the tick after removing it?
It can help. Put it in a sealed bag and note the date and where the bite was. If you develop symptoms, that information is useful to share with your doctor.
Will treating my yard get rid of all ticks?
No treatment can promise that. Barrier treatments target the edges and shady areas where ticks wait and can reduce them, but you should still use repellent and do tick checks.