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Ticks are still a concern this fall

LEDYARD, Conn. (WTNH) -If you think the dangers of getting Lyme disease or another tick-borne illness are less because it’s the fall, think again. Workers with Spicer’s Lawn Care & Landscaping Design will tell you the ticks are still out there.

“We actually did a brush clearing job for somebody that had a deadly tick disease,” says Zack Spicer.

That customer was worried he could get sick again. Fortunately Spicer and his crew haven’t gotten any tickborne diseases themselves but they have gotten bitten.

“I actually have never gotten a tick bite until this year I had two,” says Spicer.

One medical provider tells News 8 she saw several patients bitten by ticks last week. One was walking her dog while the others were doing yard work.

“When the temperatures are warmer you know the ticks are probably hanging out a little bit longer than they typically do,” said Susan Dubb, a Public Health Nurse with the Uncas Health District.

She says that in addition to Lyme Disease, she is also seeing a lot of cases of Babesia.

“It seems that there are more reports of that this year than last year,” says Dubb.

Fortunately in the fall, folks are usually wearing long sleeves and pants which can protect them.

“We actually suggest you tuck your pants inside your socks,” adds Dubb.

And make sure you always do a tick check.

Scientists with the state’s Agricultural Experiment Station say ticks usually go dormant when the temperatures drop below freezing but could become active again if there are a few warm winter days.

“We have two dogs and we walk them all the time outside and they’ve actually both had Lyme disease,” says Spicer.

News 8 also spoke with the epidemiologist with the Ledge Light Health District and he says there is some good news.

Adult ticks which are more active starting in October are bigger so when people do get a tick on them they’re easier to spot and easier to get and remove before any disease sets in with 48 hours.