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It's tick season so check out the Conservancy's best practices when coming across these parasites.

Beware, it’s tick season

It’s tick season, which means all nature goers should be on the lookout to avoid being bitten by these parasitic arachnids. If you want to know what kinds of ticks to be aware of in the Southern California region, where they are most likely to inhabit, how to prevent a bite, best way to remove one if you are bitten and how to check your pets for ticks, then keep reading to learn all about how to avoid these pesky parasitical creatures. 

When and where are ticks active? 

The spring is the tick’s most prominent season of interest. They can be found in grassy areas where vegetation hangs over the trails. Any large, warm animal, including deers and human, walking through the vegetated area is going to collect ticks hoping to hitch a ride on their legs and torso. Be cautious and prepared for any unwanted hitchhikers when you’re out in nature!  

What kind of tick inhabits the conservancy? 

The Western Black Legged Tick, also known as a deer tick, is becoming very common in Southern California. These specific ticks are carriers of lyme disease. According to Corky’s Pest Control, other ticks to be cautious of when exploring the conservancy and other areas of Southern California are the American Dog Tick, Brown Dog Tick and the Pacific Coast Tick.

How do you prevent a tick from attaching? 

Make sure to wear a shirt you can tuck into your pants as well as long pants that can be tucked into your socks. Always stay on the designated trail to avoid picking up ticks from grass or brush. Once you are at home, thoroughly check for ticks after removing your clothing. Spots to pay closer attention to are your ankles, waistband area and in your hair if you were near overhanging brush. 

How do you remove a tick? 

If you find an attached tick, remove it right away using these directions:

  1. Grasp the tick with tweezers as close to your skin as possible.
  2. Pull the tick straight out, using a firm, steady motion. Do not twist, squish, or burn an attached tick.
  3. Apply an antiseptic to the bite area after removing the tick and wash your hands with soap and water.
  4. Save the tick for identification. Give it to your doctor or contact the Vector Control Program.
  5. If redness or pain develops at the tick bite site or the tick cannot be removed, consult your doctor.

How do you check your pet for ticks? 

According to the San Diego Bay Animal Hospital, dogs and other furry friends should be checked for ticks even after a simple walk through the grass or bush. Check deep within their fur, behind and inside their ears, between their legs, around their neck and between their toes. 

We hope these tips help you and your pets stay tick free this spring on all of your outdoor adventures. Now go hit the trails and get out into nature!

More tick resources: 

https://www.corkyspest.com/tick-id.html

https://www.sandiegobayanimalhospital.com/site/blog/2020/08/17/protecting-your-pet-from-ticks 

https://www.wbur.org/onpoint/2017/06/13/preventing-lyme-a-new-disease-ticks-spread