Pennsylvania Ranked Worst State For Ticks
June in the Northeast is when we officially transition into full-blown summer. Schools get out and people spend more time outdoors. However, US News and World Report cautions that eight of the top 10 states among the worst for ticks are on the east coast, and Pennsylvania ranked as the worst.
“Ticks typically live in grassy or wooded areas and can also live on animals,” they explain. Pennsylvania certainly has no shortage of summer outdoor recreation. In fact, certain areas are very well-known for having great hiking trails, lakes, and parks.
Pennsylvania does not stand alone here, however. New York ranked as the second worst state for ticks in America, and New Jersey was third. U.S. News and World Report reported that of all the tick-borne illnesses, Lyme disease, anaplasmosis, and spotted fever rickettsiosis are the most common diseases in the Keystone State. In addition, over three years, 43,220 tick-borne disease cases were reported by Pennsylvania.
The PA Department of Environmental Protection states that the American Dog Tick, Lone Star Tick, and Blacklegged Tick are among the most common types in the state. They provide heat maps that show the most common counties for each tick type detected.
What To Do About It?
With Pennsylvania being ranked as the worst state for ticks, taking the necessary preventative measures is essential. In addition to checking your body, it’s important to check your clothing. Tumble-drying your clothing on high heat for 10 minutes can also kill them off. Cold and medium-temperature water will not kill ticks, but hot temperatures will. You can also wear bright clothing to make ticks more visible, given they can be the size of a poppy seed. Furthermore, check your pets thoroughly as well.
Lastly, the state Department of Health now has an entire website dedicated to tick safety and educational resources.
