April 15, 2020 – Washington Co., WI – Wisconsinites say there are two seasons – winter and construction. Well, we can now add tick season to the list.
“We’ve been pulling off a lot of engorged deer ticks from dogs since late February,” said Dr. Megan Theisen with Kewaskum Veterinary Clinic. “If people aren’t on a flea-tick prevention for their animal they should take action sooner rather than later because the ticks come out a lot earlier than people think and they’re most active in the spring and fall.”
Theisen said if it’s “above freezing ticks will come out and we have seen quite a few already this year.”
Jonni Paluchniak is with Pet Supplies Plus in West Bend. She said they recommend the best thing to help is the Seresto Collar. “The difference with this treats the whole dog,” she said.
“We know that the whole state of Wisconsin has a significant tick population and lyme disease occurrences,” said Theisen.
She said people who have been walking in the woods should also check themselves as well if they’re outdoors. “Ticks have sensors that can detect a carbon dioxide level and then they leap onto an animal or person,” said Theisen. “Even if you’re on the Ice Age Trail don’t assume you may not have them; it’s good to check yourself as well.”
Below is a post on ticks from the Town of West Bend.
If you like details on insects check out the Bug of the Week at Riveredge Nature Center in Newburg.
Ticks are a nuisance, but they cannot “leap”. Humans and animals pick them up when they brush against ticks that are on vegetation.
Good to know. Thanks Larry.