Northwestern Health Unit, Canada).
With the weather finally beginning to rise above 50 degrees, Carls are emerging from their dens, ready to embark on their first arb walks, bench sits, and picnic blanket lounges in months. But beware! Another organism also finds this to be the most opportune time to be active — ticks. They are small parasitic arachnids who feed on animal blood and can carry disease. Luckily, it’s simple to become informed and be safe so you can proceed enthusiastically on your outdoor adventures.
The Arb has two kinds of ticks, active during the warmer months of April-October. They climb to the top of grasses, extend their limbs, and attach to what brushes against them. Wood/dog ticks (Dermacentor viriabilis) are the slightly larger species and not considered dangerous. Deer ticks (Ixodes scapularis) are smaller black arachnids known to carry Lyme disease, human anaplasmosis, and babesiosis (see Arboretum Safety Guide). The highest risk of tick-transmitted disease comes when a tick has been embedded for over 24 hours, so it is important to find and remove ticks as quickly as possible. If you just left the Arb, you should check your entire body, especially crevices like your neck, hair, armpits, and ankles.
So, you have a tick on you. Now what? Use tweezers to grab the tick as close to its mouth/head as possible, pulling straight outwards from your skin. Then, wash the area with soap and water. Take a photo of the tick as evidence in case you develop unusual symptoms post-bite.
Ticks are a common part of most natural spaces, but it’s easy to stay safe. Even if it’s a hot day, if you’re in any grassy or forested area, wear long pants and sleeves. Breathable, thin layers are best. Even better, tuck your pant legs into your socks and impress your friends with your snazzy sock designs. Spraying repellent containing pyrethrum on socks, pants, and shoes also goes a long way. Happy hiking!
- Maxima Gomez-Palmer ‘26 for the Cole Student Naturalists
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