Buffalo, N.Y. (WBEN) - Although the data may be skewed given the fact that 2022 was the first year of new national standards set for identifying and tracking cases of ticks-related diseases in the country, the historically warm winter in Western New York has shown that the tick population continues to grow. And tick bite concerns are not just "seasonal", they are "all-year round."
"We probably get the most tick bites in the fall as a matter of fact. September, October, November months, so really, it's a 12-month problem," says Rebecca Roll of Lyme WNY, a local organization that helps raise awareness and share prevention efforts surrounding Lyme disease and other tick-borne diseases.
"I think there just so happens to be more of a heightened interest around the issue once the spring months hit, but it's really it's really a year-round issue."
In addition, Roll says she's got more calls this winter than she did the last winter. which makes sense - as historically warm winter days have caused less ticks to die out.
According to the findings of a USA TODAY Network analysis of public health data, ER tick bite reporting in the Northeast hit 69 visits for tick bites per 100,000 ER visits overall in March. That's up from March average of about 43 tick bites per 100,000 visits during the prior seven years. In addition, the early tick season spike has 2024 on pace to surpass 2017, which peaked at 332 tick-bite visits per 100,000 ER visits overall in May and caused the most tick-borne illness suffering in recent years.
And while most people are at the height of being protected from insects (and in this case, disease-carrying arachnids) when they are outdoors in a more rural environment, Roll reminds us that ticks know no bounds.
"It's a backyard problem, it's a sports complex problem, it's a golfing problem. It's an urban problem. It's a suburban problem, they are everywhere. I think people kind of associate tick bites with deer in their backyard or hiking and that's just not always the case. Ticks are being carried by rodents, by birds, by squirrels and by your pets. They don't know borders. There is no stopping them right now and there's a huge influx."
Lyme disease is the most common tick-related disease and could have long-term symptoms even after being treated with antibiotics and there are many other diseases that are associated with ticks, which is why it is important to take preventative measures to ensure that no ticks will be biting you or you your canines anytime soon.
"Use bug sprays, use picaridan, use permethrin, do your tick checks, be vigilant," says Roll. "These diseases are not something that just goes away overnight. This is something that can sometimes last your lifetime."
See Erie County's website on how to make sure you successfully remove a tick and how to identify - available here, WNY Lyme has resources on there website as well, you can find them under the "Links" tab.
Reminder - WNY Lyme will be holding a 5K Run/Walk at Wayland Brewing Company in Orchard Park on May 5, 2024 - You can find all the details here.