As summer gives way to fall, Missourians may be looking forward to cooler temperatures, changing leaves and a break from seasonal pests. Unfortunately, ticks aren't one of them.
In reality, there is no true off-season for ticks. These parasitic arachnids can remain active year-round, emerging even during colder months when temperatures are above freezing. So, it should come as no surprise that an area in Missouri made World Atlas' list of the most tick-infested areas in America.
Here's what to know.
What area in Missouri is one of the most tick-infested places in the US?
The Ozark Mountains took the No. 1 spot as the most "tick-infested" area in the country.
The Ozarks stretch roughly 300 miles long and 200 miles wide, with most of it spanning
the southern half of Missouri and northwestern and north-central Arkansas, as well as smaller portions of northeastern Oklahoma and southeastern Kansas.
World Atlas highlighted both the Missouri and Arkansas parts of the Ozarks as major hotspots for American dog ticks — particularly in counties surrounding the Mark Twain National Forest, where they're commonly found along hiking trails, old logging roads, unmanaged fields and other semi-open wilderness areas.
"American dog ticks thrive in transitional habitats rather than deep forest, making the Ozarks’ patchwork of woodland and open ground especially favorable," World Atlas said. "Large sections of this region combine exactly the conditions this species prefers: humid summers, thick grass, brushy forest edges, abundant wildlife hosts, and long warm seasons."
The publication also says animals such as dogs, white-tailed deer, raccoons, coyotes and other small mammals help sustain tick populations by serving as hosts and transporting them throughout the region.
What other places made the list?
Here are the seven spots mentioned in World Atlas' list"
- The Ozark Mountains (Missouri/Arkansas)
- Hunterdon County (New Jersey)
- Nantucket Island (Massachusetts)
- Southern Border Counties (Texas)
- Piedmont Region (Virginia)
- Bitterroot Valley (Montana)
- Lake Okeechobee (Florida)
Which ticks are found in Missouri?
Although Missouri is home to many types of ticks, the most common ones include:
- The Lone Star tick
- American dog tick
- Deer tick
Preventing Tick Bites
Here are some tips on how to best protect yourself from tick bites:
- Know where to expect ticks. Reduce time spent in potentially tick-infested habitats such as tall grass and shrubs. Walk in the center of trails to avoid contact with vegetation.
- Treat clothing and gear. Products containing permethrin can be used to treat boots, clothing and camping gear and remain protective through several washings.
- Use the right insect repellent. Look for U.S. Environmental Protection Agency-registered insect repellents containing DEET, picaridin, IR3535, Oil of Lemon Eucalyptus (OLE), para-menthane-diol (PMD) or 2-undecanone. Avoid products containing OLE or PMD on children under 3.
- Check your body for ticks. Conduct a full-body check upon return from potentially tick-infested areas, including your own backyard. Use a hand-held or full-length mirror to view all parts of your body. Be sure to focus on your underarms, hair, around your ears, groin, behind the knees, between your legs, around your waist and even your belly button.
- Examine gear and pets. Ticks can ride into the home on pets before attaching to a person later on, so carefully examine pets, coats and bags.
- Check your clothing for ticks. Ticks may be carried into the house on clothing. Any ticks that are found should be removed.
- Shower soon after being outdoors. Showering soon after coming indoors can help wash off unattached ticks and it is a good opportunity to do a tick check.
Ahmed Jawadi is a service and trending reporter based in Missouri.
This article originally appeared on Springfield News-Leader: This Missouri destination is one of America's top tick hotspots
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