It's deer hunting season in Alabama, and the woods are filled with hopeful hunters and cautious deer. But there's something else in the woods, too...something that preys on the hunted and the hunters alike.
Ticks.
Ticks are classified as arachnids (alongside spiders and scorpions). They are external parasites that latch onto the skin of mammals, birds, reptiles, and amphibians, and feed on their blood. They can carry --- and, through their feeding, pass on --- germs responsible for serious diseases like Lyme disease and Rocky Mountain spotted fever.
Ticks thrive in the types of grassy, wooded areas where hunters and outdoor enthusiasts are likely to spend much of the fall and early winter seasons. For anyone hitting the woods seeking adventure, peace, or dinner, it's vital to know how to protect yourself from these tiny but potentially harmful creatures.
The three main ticks you are likely to encounter in Alabama are:
Of these, only the deer tick carries Lyme disease. Lyme disease can cause a variety of symptoms, including fever, fatigue, and skin rash. If left untreated, the infection can impact a person's joints, heart, and nervous system.
The bite of the lone star tick is known to trigger alpha-gal syndrome, which can result in an allergic reaction in people who eat red meat or are exposed to other products made from mammals, such as milk, gelatin, broth and gravy.
Both Lyme disease and alpha-gal syndrome can lead to lifelong health complications for many people.
For more information on diseases caused by tick bites, visit Tick-borne Diseases.
The best way to avoid tick bites is to avoid ticks altogether. However, that's easier said than done for those who enjoy time in the woods hunting, hiking, or camping, or for those who enjoy gardening or walking their dog. For those unwilling or unable to avoid outdoor activities, follow these tips for tick bite prevention:
Once you're back inside, shower and check the following areas for ticks:
For more information, check out this video from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: Get the tips! Stop the ticks. Prevent Tick Bites.
If you find a tick on you, you'll want to remove it as soon as possible. You may think it's better to go to a healthcare provider to have it removed, but the longer a tick is attached to your skin, the greater the chance you'll get a tick-borne disease.
To safely remove a tick attached to your skin:
Do not use petroleum jelly, heat, nail polish, or other substances to try and make the tick detach from the skin. This may agitate the tick and force infected fluid from the tick into the skin.
If you have removed a tick and would like to have it identified, you can send clear photos to our Public Health Entomologist at [email protected]. Arrangements for collection of the tick may also be made, particularly if you develop any symptoms.
If you develop a fever or rash after spending time outdoors, consult with your healthcare provider immediately.