Deer tick. Photo courtesy University of Rhode Island.

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As summer approaches, ticks are becoming more active across the nation based on visits to the emergency room, although the trend does not seem to have affected San Benito County just yet. 

In March and April of this year, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recorded more tick bite-induced emergency room visits nationwide than during any prior March through April period since CDC tracking began in 2017.

There are, however, no recorded emergency room visits in San Benito County tick bites so far this year, according to the CDC. 

According to county Public Health Entomologist Priyanka Parikh, that is because the county does not have a high number of infected ticks, and that “ticks thrive in moist, shaded environments with dense vegetation.” 

Although San Benito County consists mostly of chaparral, grasslands and oak savana, there are still ticks to be found locally, Parikh said, noting that when the county does see an infection it usually results in Lyme disease. 

Deer tick. Photo courtesy University of Rhode Island.

The CDC lists the following information regarding transmission and diseases transmitted by ticks. 

How ticks spread disease

Ticks transmit pathogens that cause disease through the process of feeding.

  • Depending on the tick species and its stage of life, preparing to feed can take from 10 minutes to two hours. When the tick finds a feeding spot, it grasps the skin and cuts into the surface.
  • The tick then inserts its feeding tube. Many species also secrete a cement-like substance that keeps them firmly attached during the meal. The feeding tube can have barbs which help keep the tick in place.
  • Ticks also can secrete small amounts of saliva with anesthetic properties so that the animal or person can’t feel that the tick has attached itself. If the tick is in a sheltered spot, it can go unnoticed.
  • Ticks suck blood anywhere from minutes to days, depending on the tick species. If the host animal has a bloodborne infection, the tick will ingest the pathogens with the blood.
  • Small amounts of saliva from the tick may also enter the skin of the host animal during the feeding process. If the tick contains a pathogen, the organism may be transmitted to the host animal in this way.
  • After feeding, most ticks will drop off and prepare for the next life stage. At its next feeding, it can then transmit an acquired disease to the new host.

One of the most known tick-transmitted diseases is Lyme, a bacterial infection which is most commonly spread by the deer tick. 

Checking for ticks

Several websites give lists on how to check for ticks. Below is a comprehensive list. 

Areas of the body to check:

  • Head/hairline
  • Behind ears
  • Arm pits 
  • In around naval
  • Groin/genitals 
  • Back of knees
  • Between toes

Other advised precautions:

  • Shower after being outdoors
  • Wash clothing in hot water and/or tumble dry on high

Checking pets

Pets should be checked in the manner described above, and under the hair.

Removing ticks

The CDC recommends the following:

  1. Grasp the tick as close to the skin’s surface as possible using clean fine-tipped tweezers. If fine-tipped tweezers are not available, use regular tweezers or your fingers to grasp the tick. Grasp the tick close to the skin’s surface to avoid squeezing the tick’s body.
  2. Pull the tick away from the skin with steady, even pressure. Don’t twist or jerk the tick. This can cause the tick mouthparts to break off and remain in the skin. If this happens, your body will naturally push the mouthparts out over time as your skin heals. You can also remove the mouthparts with tweezers. If you cannot remove the mouthparts easily with tweezers, leave them alone.
  3. Dispose of the live tick by taking one of these steps: place it in a sealed container; wrap it tightly in tape; flush it down the toilet; or put it in alcohol. Do not crush the tick with your fingers.
  4. After removing the tick, thoroughly clean the bite area and your hands with soap and water, rubbing alcohol, or hand sanitizer.
  5. If you find a tick attached to you, there may be other ticks on your body. Do a careful tick check to look for other ticks and promptly remove them.
Removing a tick. Photo courtesy of CDC

The CDC tickborne disease tracker recorded no tickborne infections in San Benito County from 2019-22, though surrounding counties had cases of Lyme disease, Tularimia, Spotted Fever Rickettsiosis and Anaplasmosis.

Per the CDC, ticks can transmit these diseases:

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Carmel has a BA in Natural Sciences/Biodiversity Stewardship from San Jose State University and an AA in Communications Studies from West Valley Community College and she reports on science and the environment....