Chuck52
Veteran Member
Larry,
If you mean what symptoms do you watch for if you have been bitten by a tick, they are usually described as flu-like. That covers lots of ground doesn't it? You usually see reddening around the bite, and the classic Lime disease rash is described as a bullseye red rash with the bite at the center. My bite looked something like that, but the doc said real Lime disease isn't common here. On the other hand, any tick or any other blood sucking insect is likely to carry various nasty bacteria and viruses. The immune system of most healthy adults can deal effectively with the majority of the minor "infections" that result from bites, but there will be the occassional mega dose of nasties, and some diseases, like Lime and Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever may be more easily transmitted by an infected carrier insect. As to dealing with ticks, this spring we got into the habit of checking ourselves and each other pretty thoroughly after working outside. The adult ticks are easily found. The nymphs require a close inspection, unless you are "lucky" like me and have a fast reaction to their bite. I don't think I picked up many ticks while mowing, at least after I finally cut back the tree limbs which whacked me as I mowed along the tree lines. However, whenever I waded into the brush I'd get lots of the @#$% things.
If you mean what symptoms do you watch for if you have been bitten by a tick, they are usually described as flu-like. That covers lots of ground doesn't it? You usually see reddening around the bite, and the classic Lime disease rash is described as a bullseye red rash with the bite at the center. My bite looked something like that, but the doc said real Lime disease isn't common here. On the other hand, any tick or any other blood sucking insect is likely to carry various nasty bacteria and viruses. The immune system of most healthy adults can deal effectively with the majority of the minor "infections" that result from bites, but there will be the occassional mega dose of nasties, and some diseases, like Lime and Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever may be more easily transmitted by an infected carrier insect. As to dealing with ticks, this spring we got into the habit of checking ourselves and each other pretty thoroughly after working outside. The adult ticks are easily found. The nymphs require a close inspection, unless you are "lucky" like me and have a fast reaction to their bite. I don't think I picked up many ticks while mowing, at least after I finally cut back the tree limbs which whacked me as I mowed along the tree lines. However, whenever I waded into the brush I'd get lots of the @#$% things.