3 New England States Are In 10 Worst For Ticks
June in New England is when we officially transition into full-blown summer. Schools get out and people spend more time outdoors. However, US News and World Report cautions, three New England states are among the worst for ticks.
“Ticks typically live in grassy or wooded areas and can also live on animals,” they explain. The New England area listed here certainly has no shortage of summer outdoor recreation. In fact, one of the states is very well-known for having great hiking trails, lakes, and parks. Its winter and snow-filled mountains often serve as scenic climbs and trails in the warmer weather months.
US News and World Report detailed the ten states in the country that reported the highest number of cases of tick-borne diseases. While it’s good news that not every New England state was mentioned, here are three that did make it.
New Hampshire
At number nine is New Hampshire. Lyme disease, anaplasmosis, and babesiosis were the most common tick-borne diseases there. The University of New Hampshire Biology Management reports that the American dog tick, Dermacentor variabilis, is the most frequently encountered in the state.
Maine
Two slots ahead of New Hampshire, Maine ranked seventh worst for ticks. Lyme disease, anaplasmosis, and babesiosis were also the most common here as well. Maine.gov details the Deer Tick as a common species in the state, saying, “Although they can occur statewide, deer ticks are most abundant along the southern coast of Maine.”
Connecticut
Next on the list was Connecticut, at number six. The Constitution State registered roughly 2,300 more tick-borne diseases in a three-year period than New Hampshire, US News and World Report detailed. While Lyme Disease was the most common, babesiosis was the second highest, with anaplasmosis being third here. CT.gov says, “American dog ticks, Dermacentor variabilis, are common throughout Connecticut and can be abundant in grassy areas bordering woodlands during late April through June.
What To Do About It?
With three New England states being among the ten worst for ticks, it’s important to take the necessary preventative measures. In addition to checking your body, it’s important to check your clothing as well. Tumble-drying your clothing on high heat for 10 minutes can also kill them off. Cold and medium-temperature water will not kill ticks, but hot temperatures will. Other things you can do include wearing bright clothing to make ticks more visible, given they can be the size of a poppy seed. Finally, check your pets thoroughly as well.
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