Tick Safety

Take Care From Ticks

Rocky mountain wood ticks are common in this area. They can transmit Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever, tick-borne relapsing fever, and tularemia. Transmission rates are low however, less than 10 cases in humans per year reported in Idaho. Ticks that cause lyme disease are not found in Idaho. Ticks are most active late spring to early fall and can be found on grasses and brush waiting for a host to pass by. Ticks and tickborne diseases are increasing in number and in geographic spread in the United States and are therefore an increasing public health concern across the region. Although risk for tickborne illnesses exists throughout the year, cases peak from May to September.

For more information about the geographic distribution of ticks that bite humans, visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention page about ticks: Geographic distribution of ticks that bite humans

For the latest information on preventing tick bites and on tick-borne disease symptoms and treatments, visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website: https://www.cdc.gov/ticks/

To limit your exposure, consider the following tips

• Walk in the middle of trails away from tall vegetation
• Wear light-colored clothing so ticks are easier to spot
• Wear long pants
• Wear pants tucked into socks
• Spray your shoes and clothing with repellent
• Check yourself carefully for ticks within two hours after walks

Learn more from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

 

Prompt tick removal may prevent disease

• Use tweezers rather than your fingertips.
• Grasp the tick as close to your skin as possible.
• Gently and steadily pull the tick straight out.
• Apply antiseptic to the area.
• If parts of the tick break off and remain in your skin or a rash appears, consult your doctor.

To learn more, visit the National Park Service page on tick-borne disease:
One Health and Disease: Tick-Borne Disease