Deer tick numbers, Lyme disease risk, are high

SAKONNET AREA
SAKONNET AREA — Deer tick abundance in Rhode Island has skyrocketed this summer according to a University of Rhode Island researcher, despite early season predictions that tick numbers could be lower this year.

Thomas Mather, professor of entomology and director of URI's Center for Vector Borne Disease, said that a state-wide survey of tick populations is finding that tick numbers are, on average, 30 percent higher than at the same time last year.

"It's the truth," adds Prudence Island John Canario who said the island has loads of ticks this summer; he just treated a fawn that was covered with them. There are lots of deer ticks and especially large numbers of disease-carrying Lone Star ticks (with white spot on their back).

"It's a little perplexing why tick numbers are so high, because lack of rain such as we've experienced recently usually slows down tick activity resulting in lower abundance," Mr. Mather said. "It is typical, however, for tick numbers to be more robust early in the season, but the fact that abundance is still high going into the July 4th holiday usually means that the risk of contracting Lyme disease will extend further into the summer than usual."

In early spring, Mr. Mather predicted a below-average tick season, based on his 12-year record of alternating years of high and low tick abundance. He said that something about the unique conditions this year appears to be disrupting the cycle.

Adult deer ticks must be attached for 48 hours to transmit the Lyme disease pathogen, while nymphs, which are tiny and difficult to see, need only be attached for 24 hours to transmit a Lyme infection. It is the tiny nymphal stage that is active now.

Neighborhoods and community groups concerned about the spread of Lyme disease in their area can schedule a free, one-hour tick control workshop with Mr. Mather and colleague Nathan Miller. The "Do You Hate Ticks As Much As We Do?" program "is a terrific opportunity for people who like to work in their yards, in their gardens and on their lawns to learn how to protect themselves and their family from Lyme disease, babesiosis and other diseases caused by deer ticks," Mr. Miller said.

To schedule a workshop or to find out when and where one will be held, call Mr. Mather's office at 874-2928.

"We hold the program in a back yard setting," he said, "to help people relate what we are showing them to their own yards."

Vendors of specialized tick control products and services will be on hand at the workshops to demonstrate their tick control solutions and answer questions.