Experts Say Tick Season May Be Worse This Year

According to exterminators, Oklahoma's cold winter did not impact the tick population the way you might think. 

Friday, June 11th 2021, 7:14 pm



Summer temperatures are here to stay, and Oklahoma bug experts said tick season is going to be bad. 

According to exterminators, Oklahoma's cold winter did not impact the tick population the way you might think. 

“The cold spell of winter of over a week of freezing temperatures was not enough to offset the moisture. This spring we’ve had with the extra rain and so the tick season this year is probably going to be extra high,” Tony Baird, owner of A-Better Exterminators said.

Ticks seek out cool moist places. So, it is important not to foster an environment for them to survive. 

There are some over the counter insecticides to treat your yards, however, Baird warns if not applied properly it can be harmful to pets. 

Ticks carry a number of deceases, including Lyme disease and Rocky Mountain Spotted fever.

“Rocky Mountain Spotted fever can actually cause a rash all over the body. On the hands and the palms, and the feet, and then kind of works its way to the rest of the body,” Integris Dr. Lacy Anderson said.

Anderson said one of the common symptoms with tick-borne illness is fever and body aches. 

It is important to remember that if you have symptoms to see your doctor immediately.

Many people have been bitten by ticks and don’t realize it. Anderson said usually a simple antibiotic works. 

However not all tick bites result in disease.

“Most ticks are not carrying these illnesses. Most ticks you should be able to remove, and you won’t have any symptoms at all, other than mild itching at the bite site,” Anderson said.

It is important to check your body for ticks after spending time outside in tall grass.

“Don’t freak out about it, these are very common. The first thing you should do is remove the tick,” Anderson advised. 

Experts suggest if you plan to camp out, go fishing or be in a place with tall grass, use a repellent with DEET. Spray both your skin and clothes.

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