Minot Monday is made possible through a partnership with BeLOCAL Minot. BeLOCAL is a guide to living like a local and thriving in Minot. Tick season runs from April 1-July 1 and today I’m talking all about North Dakota ticks and how to remove ticks. Don’t let ticks stop you from enjoying the season. For ideas on parks check this out–for day/weekend trips look here.
Summers Here Are {almost} Perfect
I always tell folks moving to Minot that the “summer is always worth the wait.” It’s true. There is nothing better than a North Dakota summer. Days are long. Daylight hours are extensive. Although the locals complain about the “humidity” those of us from basically any other state will hardly detect moisture in the air. Crops stretch out across the fields as far as the eye can see. Parks, lakes, community, events and long days spent outdoors make this coming season sublime.
However, nothing is perfect. There are a couple drawbacks to living in a place with such a great summer. Namely ticks and mosquitoes. We’ll chat about mosquitoes a little later. Today we are going to talk ticks.
I’ve talked with lots newcomers who are (unpleasantly) surprised by ticks upon relocating to Minot. While it is amazing that anything living outdoors can survive the winter, ticks come back every year with persistence.
There have been years that I’ve lived in Minot and not had to pick off a single tick. Other years, I’ve picked off more than my fair share. Either way, it’s best to be prepared. As the catchy opening songs to one of my favorite 80’s sitcoms says, “You take the good, you take the bad, you take them both and then you have the facts of life.”
Realistic Precautions
I’ve got a lot of information in this post. The point is not to scare you into wearing tall socks over long pants and baseball caps all summer. Rather, This is information to help those new to the area–or new to an area with lots of ticks.
If you’ll be deep in the forest, by all means, take the upmost precautions. If you’ll be walking through tall grass or spending a day at the lake, just be sensible. Use common sense and appropriate preventative measures. In my experience, most ticks can be prevented with bug spray, socks, closed toe shoes and a quick tick-check before getting the car to head home.
Where Are Ticks in North Dakota?
True, North Dakota isn’t lush with forests. Traditional hiking trails may not be abundant…but we do have ticks. And they are plentiful this time of year.
Ticks love wooded and grassy areas. As with most creepy things, they like the dark and are less likely to be found in bright, sunny spots. In North Dakota, they are notorious for living along lakes–a North Dakotans favorite summer pastime. They are also common on trails (even those in town) and in taller grass near fields (I used to always pick up ticks when I did photography in the countryside).
Ticks favor taller grass, so lawns are usually safe, but the edges of a property may make a good habitat for them.
Prevention First
The best way to avoid needing to pick off (or out) a tick is preventing them from crawling on you in the first place. Ticks are notorious for living in grassy areas along our trails, lakes and fields. If you are going to be spending time outside be sure to use bug spray. Spray your feet, ankles and legs well, as this is a prime zone for a tick to climb on.
If you know you’ll be trudging through tall grass wear long pants and closed shoes. A hat will protect your head and hair. And speaking of hair–if yours is long braid it or put it up if you know you’ll be in a place that may have ticks.
At outdoor events (like fireworks displays, airshows, movies/music in the park, etc) remember to bring a chair or blanket to sit on.
And don’t forget about your dog! Some of the most horrific tick stories I’ve encountered have had to do with picking ticks off the pup. Be sure to use bug spray on your dog if he’ll be joining you at the lake or on the trail. And treat any pet that goes outside with medication to prevent fleas and ticks, like Frontline. (Ask your vet for specific recommendations for your pet.)
Checking For Ticks
Before we talk about how to remove ticks, let’s talk checking. If you’ve been outside in a place you suspect ticks may be lurking, it’s important to check yourself, pets and children.
Give everyone a once over before getting in the car. Run hands over your clothing and use a mirror (or check each other) to be sure no ticks are clinging to your back or places you can’t see. Run your hands over your dog to feel for bumps. The sooner you can remove a tick the better!
Once you’re home examine your body (and kids’ and pets’ bodies) closely. Use a full length mirror and be sure to check your hair, joints
- Here is a guide for checking pets.
- Here is a guide for checking yourself.
How to Remove Ticks
If prevention doesn’t work, chances are you’ll need to remove a tick this spring or summer. This really gives me the heebie jeebies, even just writing about it. But it’s better to know now than panic later. Actually, it’s best not to panic at all. The keys to tick removal are getting the whole tick out (not leaving the head under the skin) and getting it out as soon as possible.
The “Right” Removal Method
The CDC recommends using fine tipped tweezers to remove a tick. Read details of getting a tick out with tweezers here. Experts agree that this is the best and safest method for removing ticks.
The Right Tweezers
Regular household tweezers will likely get a tick out just fine. But sometimes ticks can be tiny! To be fully prepared, pick up a pair of fine tipped tweezers. The fine points can get closer to the skin and make removal cleaner, less likely to leave the head embedded. Keep a pair in your car or bag, just in case.
Other Methods
It seems like everyone has their own “trick” for getting a tick out. However experts warn against using many of these methods. Dish soap, nail polish, matches and petroleum jelly are all involved in alternative removal methods. You can try them at your own risk, but know that removing a tick with good tweezers is tried, true and safe. (Even if it is nausea-inducing to think about.)
How to Remove Ticks from a Pet
Removing ticks from pets is similar to removing them from a human. Again, use tweezers and get as close to the skin as possible. Remember to check your pet thoroughly (including sneaky places like paws, eyelids, and in the ears). For reference, here is an article about removing ticks from pets.
Enjoy the Season and Be Safe
The point of this is not to cause you to live in fear. Just be aware and take appropriate (but not over the top) precautions. If you pick up a tick this spring/summer it’s not the end of the world. It’s just one of those things that make you North Dakota tough, like the locals.
