As the weather warms, ticks become more active, making it important to protect yourself — and your pets — from bites. Maine’s beautiful, wooded landscapes and scenic trails invite us to pack a picnic, park the car, and carry backpack chairs to a quiet clearing, often with a beloved pet in tow.
To fully enjoy Maine’s natural beauty without worrying about ticks, it’s important to be informed, particularly about deer ticks, which carry Lyme disease and are found in all 16 counties.
According to the Maine Division of Disease Surveillance, deer ticks thrive in wooded areas and along the forest edges with low vegetation. Contrary to common myths, they do not jump, fly or fall from trees, but instead latch on when we brush against them.
The Maine CDC has created a helpful 4-minute video to help educate the public on selecting and applying personal repellents for mosquitoes and ticks. Additional videos demonstrate how to properly remove a tick and assess the risk of Lyme disease.
Here are some quick safety tips:
- When choosing a product, keep in mind that those labeled “Caution” generally pose lower risks than those marked “Warning” or “Danger”.
- Look for “EPA registration” on the label. This means the EPA does not expect the product to cause harmful effects to human health or to the environment when used according to the label.
- Use permethrin on clothing and gear only (never on skin). This is a product that kills ticks on contact and is especially helpful for hikers and campers.
- Some Maine-based companies provide synthetic barrier protection. Maine.gov lists licensed companies offering tick and mosquito control services. You can also search if they’re EPA-registered here.
- After spending time outdoors, perform thorough tick checks on yourself, children and pets. Pay close attention to areas like the scalp, behind the ears, underarms and between toes.
- If you find an attached tick, use fine-tipped tweezers to grasp it as close to the skin as possible and pull upward with steady, even pressure. Clean the bite area and your hands with rubbing alcohol, an iodine scrub or soap and water.
To protect your pets from tick-borne diseases, several products are available, from oral medications to topical treatments. Always consult your veterinarian before starting any tick prevention regimen. A lint roller can also be a handy tool for catching crawling ticks on fur or clothing.
Ticks are part of Maine’s natural ecosystem, but with the right precautions, they don’t have to ruin your fun! So, spritz on some repellent and get out there! Whether you’re exploring the woods or relaxing by the coast, you’ll be ready to soak up the best of Maine safely, confidently and with plenty of memories to capture.
