It’s that time of year again. Tick season is in full swing, and the state Department of Health Services is warning Wisconsin about Lyme disease after a warm spring triggered more deer tick activity than usual. In Wisconsin alone, there were a total of 2,580 cases of Lyme disease reported last year, compared to 2,048 cases in 2008. Nationally, there were almost 29,000 confirmed cases and 6277 probable cases of Lyme disease in 2008, according to the Center for Disease Control.
So as you head outdoors this summer, keep in mind that May through August is peak season for deer ticks, and remember that insect repellents help protect you from more than just mosquitoes – they will help keep ticks at bay too!
Here’s a great article from the CDC about ticks, Lyme Disease, and how to better protect yourself, your pets and your yard.
Also, check out the new iPhone app that can help you identify the most common ticks in North America.