Deer tick season in Maine appears to be lengthening

The timeframe during which deer ticks are energetic in Maine seems to be rising. Chuck Lubelczyk of the Maine Medical Middle Analysis Institute Vector-Borne Illness Lab stated from southern Maine to Acadia final 12 months, deer ticks have been energetic all the best way into December.

“That truly meant that we had reviews of tick-borne illness coming in in late November, December, which isn’t one thing we usually take into consideration because the norm,” he stated.

Deer ticks grew to become energetic once more in late February of this 12 months, stated Lubelczyk, which is sooner than regular. He stated the longer tick season is influenced by milder winters and fewer snow pack.

The lab is conducting research to raised perceive how deer ticks are capable of survive winters. Scientists are additionally doing analysis into how the Powassan virus spreads amongst ticks. It is certainly one of a number of illnesses they will transmit to people. Workers scientist Rebecca Robich stated habitat could play a job.

“What we seen after we have been doing the examine, is that there have been sure websites the place we have been gathering from that got here up optimistic with Powassan time and time once more,” Robich stated.

The habitats during which Powassan is most prevalent in ticks, she stated, are in forests with thick understories of invasive shrubs reminiscent of barberry and honeysuckle. Scientists on the lab are actually attempting to know why Powassan is discovered at larger charges in these habitats.

The Maine CDC introduced final week {that a} resident from Waldo County died from Powassan virus after being bitten by a tick and creating neurologic signs. Maine has recorded 14 circumstances of Powassan and three deaths since 2013.

Deer ticks can even transmit Lyme illness, anaplasmosis, and babesiosis. Scientists on the lab say it is essential for individuals to take precautions and do tick checks on themselves and their pets, which frequently deliver ticks into houses. Individuals can even make their yards much less hospitable to ticks by eradicating brush, leaves, and invasive species reminiscent of barberry, bittersweet, and honeysuckle.

Individuals searching for extra details about ticks and tick management strategies can discover assets on MMCRI’s web site together with: