What Type of Tick Causes Lyme Disease?

Lyme disease is the fastest-growing vector-borne disease in the US.

Though there are 80 tick species in the US and 850 species worldwide, the deer tick or (blacklegged) is known to carry Lyme disease. The other common tick, the American dog tick (wood tick), does not.

Nymphal deer ticks are very small and difficult to spot. They are associated with more cases of Lyme disease, because preventing their bites is difficult.

People who are wary of tick bites are usually more familiar with adult deer ticks. They are very large, and therefore are more likely to be found before they bite and transmit the disease.

How Do I Prevent Being Bitten By a Tick?

Ticks feed exclusively on animal blood, but only eat at three times during their lifespan.

If you are going out into the woods these are ways you can prevent being bitten:

• What you wear is important. Make sure you have on light-colored clothing, and long pants with enclosed shoes. You should tuck your pant legs into your socks and keep your shirt tucked into your waistband. Have as little exposed skin as possible.
• On any exposed skin and clothing use a bug repellent with DEET. To prevent ticks from sitting on clothing, hiking boots, tents, and camp chairs use permethrin products.
• Put your clothes in the dryer on high heat. Research has shown that many ticks can make it through the washing machine, even when washed in hot water, but cannot withstand the dryer.

Many people now live in rural areas, where they can be at risk in their own backyard. 75% of Lyme disease cases are associated with activities around the home. Because of this, children are particularly at risk of being bitten.

How Can I Reduce The Number of Ticks Around My Home?

Active lawn care is the best solution. The following are ways you can improve the condition of your lawn and prevent being bitten:

• Create a mulch barrier between your lawn and the woods, to prevent ticks from crossing over.
• Ask your local nursery about plants that do not attract deer.
• Prune plants short and cut down low lying bushes to ensure there is plenty of sunlight as ticks tend to hide in the shade.
• Remove brush from around your home, keep woodpiles and birdfeeders off the ground and away from your home.
• Mow frequently, keeping the grass cut short, and have your yard treated by a professional.