Ticks are commonly found in many areas throughout Wisconsin and can spread diseases to people and animals by biting them. Ticks feed on blood by attaching their mouth parts into the skin of a human or animal.
After you or your animals have spent time in wooded areas or in tall grass or brush, it is important to check for ticks, especially in the spring, summer and early fall.
Due to our mild winter, and early warmer weather, there is already significant tick activity being reported in and around the Madison area. We have already had reports of ticks in and around University Apartments. The mild winter also means we may have a higher number of ticks this year, too. The deer tick, the wood tick, and the lone star tick are all present in this part of the state. Nearly all diseases from ticks in Wisconsin come from deer ticks, the smallest of the three.
Preventing Tick Bites
There are many ways to prevent tick bites when spending time where ticks may live, including doing daily tick checks, showering within two hours after being outdoors, using insect repellent, and wearing long sleeves and pants to prevent ticks from getting on you.
Tick Removal
If you find a tick on you that has already attached itself to you, it needs to be removed carefully.
The UW–Madison Entomology Department has a great website all about ticks =: Wisconsin Ticks and Tick-borne Diseases – Department of Entomology, University of Wisconsin–Madison – UW–Madison
More Information About Ticks in Wisconsin
UW–Madison Entomology: Wisconsin Ticks and Tick-Borne Diseases
Ticks in Wisconsin: What You Need to Know | Wisconsin Department of Health Services