The weather is warm again, and that means bugs are out in full force. While most bugs are harmless, extra caution is needed to protect against ticks and mosquitoes.
Ticks
Tickborne diseases are spread by the bite of an infected tick. Although eight tickborne diseases are currently monitored for and found in Connecticut, Lyme disease is by far the most common. Connecticut consistently ranks in the top states for Lyme disease cases with an average of 3,000 cases annually; however, because it is difficult to diagnose, it is estimated that actual infections are 10 times higher.
Preventing tick bites is key to preventing tickborne diseases. Although only the deer tick is able to transmit Lyme disease, other ticks found in Connecticut including the American dog tick and the lone star tick are able to transmit other tickborne diseases. Thankfully, the same steps can be taken to prevent a bite from any tick species:
- Wear long pants tucked into socks.
- Wear light-colored clothes, which make it easier to find ticks on your clothing.
- Use EPA-registered insect repellent.
- Look for ticks after leaving their habitats, including long grass and overgrown brush.
- Remove ticks promptly. Use thin-tipped tweezers to grasp the tick as close to the skin as possible and pull straight upward. Disinfect the skin area with rubbing alcohol or another skin disinfectant.
- Check your pets and livestock for ticks. Use tick control products recommended by your veterinarian.
- If you suspect tickborne illness, contact your physician.
Ticks removed from humans can be tested at the Connecticut Agricultural Experiment Station free of charge. There are three options for submitting the tick to the lab:
- Bring the tick and a completed Tick Submission Form directly to the state lab at:
The Connecticut Agricultural Experiment Station
Tick Testing Laboratory
Jenkins-Waggoner Building
123 Huntington Street
New Haven, CT 06511
- Mail the tick and the completed Tick Submission Form to the lab (address above). See below for packing instructions.
- If you do not have access to a printer, bring the tick to the FVHD office and complete the form here.
Preparing the Tick for Submission:
- Ticks should be placed in a crush-proof container, but if one is not available a sealed plastic bag will suffice.
- Do not place the tick on tape.
- Do not package the tick in glass or in other fragile containers.
- Do not package the tick with any objects. This includes paper towels, cotton swabs, plant matter, bandages, or any other materials.
- Do not place the tick in any solution. This includes substances like water and alcohol. All ticks should be submitted dry.
Preparing the Envelope:
- The crush-proof container housing the tick should be tightly sealed and packaged in a padded envelope.
- If a padded envelope is not available, a small sheet of bubble wrap can be added to a regular envelope to help protect the tick from being damaged.
- Please request the mail carrier to handle the envelope containing the tick manually and not through a machine. “Please hand sort” can be written on the envelope to help achieve this.
Click here for more information on tickborne diseases.
Mosquitos
Mosquito-borne diseases are spread by the bite of an infected mosquito. Connecticut conducts surveillance for both mosquito-borne disease in humans as well as disease in adult mosquito populations at trapping sites throughout the state.
Although mosquito-borne disease in humans is relatively rare in Connecticut, mosquitoes routinely test positive for West Nile virus and on rare occasions for Eastern Equine Encephalitis in Connecticut so prevention of mosquito bites is crucial:
- Use EPA-registered insect repellents.
- Wear loose-fitting, long sleeved shirts and pants. Tucks pants into socks.
- Use screens on windows and doors. Repair holes in screens to keep mosquitoes outdoors.
- Eliminate standing water in rain gutters, old tires, plastic covers, toys, or any other container where mosquitoes can breed.
- Empty and change the water in bird baths, fountains, wading pools, rain barrels, and potted plant trays at least once a week to destroy mosquito habitats.
Click here for more information on mosquito-borne diseases.