SC could have a worse tick season than usual in summer 2023. Here’s why
A cooler spring and abundant rain likely means more than a usual amount of ticks this summer, some experts say.
“It has been an interesting year for ticks in South Carolina,” said Emily Owens Pickle, a researcher in the University of South Carolina’s Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics.
Her department will begin collecting ticks in the next few weeks and will have a better idea of just how bad it is.
But now that the temperatures are well into the hot zone, residents should prepare themselves, their pets and livestock for the possibility they’ll be a tick’s next meal during July and August, Pickle said.
Ticks are around all year, but they are most active from April to September. Accord to the S.C. Department of Health and Environmental Control, “ticks are generally found near the ground in forests and in areas with brush or tall grass and weeds. Ticks cannot jump or fly.”
South Carolina has five types of ticks and is experiencing an increasing threat from the Asian Longhorned tick, an invasive species. All ticks can cause disease.
Last summer, a large population of Asian longhorned ticks infested a pasture at a cattle farm in York County. They were first found in the United States in 2010 and have been seen in 17 states.
They were first seen In South Carolina in small numbers on shelter dogs in Lancaster and Pickens counties.
“While no documented cases of diseases such as Lyme disease, Rocky Mountain spotted fever, or anaplasmosis have been reported in the United States due to bites from Asian longhorned ticks, the ability of this tick species to spread diseases that can make people and animals ill is a concern,” Dr. Chris Evans, Public Health Entomologist with DHEC’s Bureau of Environmental Health Services, said in a news release.
Evans said Asian longhorned tick populations increase rapidly — one female can produce 1,000 to 2,000 eggs at a time without mating.
And their tiny light brown bodies are hard to see.
The most common tick in South Carolina is the lonestar tick, which can cause red meat allergy, ehrlichiosis (upset stomach, headache, muscle aches, fever) and Southern Tick-Associated Rash Illness.
Others include the black-legged tick, which can transmit Lyme disease, tick-borne relapsing fever, and anaplasmosis (same symptoms as the lonestar tick) and the Gulf Coast tick that can cause Rickettsia parkeri, which the state health department calls a “recently identified and emerging new disease.”
Also in South Carolina are American dog ticks and brown dog ticks, both of which can transmit Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever.
Health officials recommend using insect repellents and treating clothing and gear.
Tuck in clothing around the ankles and waist.
Shower with soap and shampoo soon after being outdoors. Check for ticks every day.
Stay in the center of paths when hiking or walking through woods.
