What to know about ticks, Lyme Disease, and how climate change relates to both

There are about 15 kinds of species of ticks in Indiana, although only four of the "hard" variety are concerning to the public.

"Hard" ticks go through four stages: egg, larval, nymph, male/female with the male/female stage posing the most risk to humans and pets.

Of those four significant ticks, the black-legged (also known as deer) tick is the one most responsible for transmitting Lyme Disease. 

From January to May since 1970, portions of the US have heated up by an average of 5F over approximately 50 years.

With warmer weather earlier on in the year, ticks have a better chance to develop through their life cycle quicker and find hosts earlier in the year, increasing both their chances for survival into adulthood and also the risk for more Lyme Disease transmitted into humans.

Lyme Disease rates have jumped from 1996-2018 as well, an indicator used by the Environmental Protection Agency and other climatological/meteorological organizations in the US to monitor the effects of national climate change during certain parts of the year.

The best way to prevent tick bites is to be proactive. When going into heavily wooded or deeply vegetated areas during the Summer, plan on carrying long sleeved options for your upper body and pants with long socks for your lower body.

Reducing the surface area of your exposed skin that a tick can latch onto is key. 

Ticks cannot jump or fly, so they resort to climbing shrubs, tall grasses, and other flora at surface level in the hopes that a potential host will brush past them, giving the pests an opportunity to come into contact with a potential host. 

Wearing bug spray with Deet or other similar chemicals wards off most pests including ticks.

After being outside, make sure to scan your body as much as possible for possible ticks, wash your clothes and yourself, and check your pets for ticks if applicable.