Ticks and Tickborne Disease

Fall is a time to get outdoors and enjoy the cooler weather unfortunately, it is also a time when adult ticks are active.  To protect yourself and prevent tick bites, Penn State Extension entomologist Erika Machtinger, has provided a new fact sheet that includes information about ticks and how to protect yourself and your family from tick bites. The fact sheet is entitled Ticks and Tickborne Disease.  In addition, it includes information on the many species of ticks that occur in Pennsylvania and the diseases ticks can transmit. 

Ticks andTickborne Disease

By Erika Machtinger, Assistant Professor of Entomology, Penn State University

Image: Bigstock.com

Many species of ticks occur in Pennsylvania. The most common are black-legged (deer) ticks, American dog ticks, lone star ticks, and groundhog ticks.

Ticks can transmit pathogens that cause disease in humans and animals. The most recognizable of these diseases is Lyme disease, which is caused by Borrelia burgdorferi, a member of the family of corkscrew-shaped bacteria known as spirochetes, and transmitted by blacklegged ticks.

Other pathogens may be carried by ticks and transmitted at the same time. It is possible to have multiple infections from different pathogens.

This article includes basic information about ticks and how to protect yourself and your family from tick bites.

To view full fact sheet click here.