Kansas ticks to become more prevalent in September

TOPEKA (KSNT) – Certain ticks are becoming mor prevalent in Kansas, and experts say people should be aware of the dangers.

Ticks have become more active in Kansas this year. One female tick can lay thousands of eggs and spread diseases like babesiosis, anaplasmosis and hard tick relapsing fever.

One of the most common ticks in Kansas is the black legged tick which can carry Lyme disease. They can live for up to three years, but once temperatures get below 40 degrees, tick season will end.

“Make sure you check yourself,” said Terry Fritz from Mosquito Joes. “You know, people can protect themselves by, you know, tucking their pant leg in their socks, wearing long sleeves. If you’re going to be out there while maybe even taking duct tape or something to close off any enclosure so they can’t get on you.”

Generally tick season runs from March through September. To reduce your risk, grassy and weedy areas around the house should be clipped short. If your yard is already exposed, you may consider pesticides or other treatments.

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