How will COVID-19 restrictions affect tick-borne illnesses in 2020?

Massachusetts remains under strict COVID-19 restrictions through May 18.  Will this help or hinder the fight against tick-borne illnesses in 2020?

That is precisely the question being asked by researchers from the University of Rhode Island, Hollins University, Duke University, Clemson University, and the University of Georgia.  Residents across the United States have been under stay-at-home orders, which are just now beginning to phase out.  Researchers theorize that since we have been unable to engage in social interaction, we are seeking adventure outdoors, where we will encounter more ticks and tick-born illnesses in 2020.

This theory is supported by the University of Rhode Island’s Tick Encounters team via TickSpotters, their crowdsource tick survey, which allows U.S. residents to submit photos of found ticks.  During COVID-19 restrictions, photo submissions of attached and engorged ticks have risen exponentially.  Tom Mather, University of Rhode Island Professor of Public Health Entomology, says this highlights the immediate need for essential tick prevention education.  As folks begin to explore outdoor spaces, they might not be aware of the dangers of encountering ticks.  Therefore, more people and their pets are finding themselves victims of tick bites.

Michael Yabsley, of the University of Georgia, is leading a research study entitled, “Investigating COVID-19 impacts on the epidemiology of tick-borne diseases in people and pets.”  Currently, survey submissions are mostly from the southern United States, and more data is being requested from residents in New England.

Central Mass residents can take the survey here.

It stands to reason that this study will reveal a higher amount of tick-borne illnesses in the U.S. during the COVID-19 crisis.  While the medical community works to control, cure, and prevent the spread of COVID-19, we must remember that tick-borne illnesses have been an ongoing battle in Central Mass for decades.

Central Mass tick control is always essential.

The best way to fight tick-borne illnesses in Central Mass is with essential tick control.  Hire a reputable tick control company to spray areas around your home and yard to eliminate ticks.  Now is the time to begin.  We have been spending more time at home than ever, and our yards have become our private escapes.  If you are spending more time outdoors, be sure that you are protected from ticks and the threat of the diseases they carry.