9 March 2017
In case you missed it, NPR reported on Monday that Lyme disease will be bad this year in the northeastern U.S.
Why? Because this cute little animal, the white-footed mouse (Peromyscus leucopus), was very abundant last summer.
White-footed mice carry Lyme disease and host many black-footed ticks (Ixodes scapularis) on their ears and faces. When the ticks bite the mice they suck in Lyme disease and transmit it later to us.
Ecologists Felicia Keesing and Rick Ostfeld figured out that when the mice thrive so do the ticks and in the following year, so does Lyme disease. 2016 was a spectacular year for white-footed mice, so watch out. 2017 will be bad for Lyme disease. Learn more here at NPR.
What can you do to protect yourself?
Lyme disease is debilitating and, what’s worse, you can catch it in your own backyard. Avoid exposure by using the techniques described in this April 2015 blog article:
p.s. Learn how to safeguard your home in this blog article from last fall: Prevent Lyme disease in your own backyard.
(photo by Brian Wulker)
Thanks for reminding us of the impending Lyme season. I live in New England and find the attitude here very curious. For example, permethrin treated clothing is rarely available in local stores. I have to buy on the web. At least is the treated clothing was in stores it would serve to heighten awareness.
Think I’ll stick with the mountain lions, bears, and rattlesnakes.
Why do they say to wear light colored clothing?? Do ticks prefer dark clothing to jump on?? Is it easier to see ticks on light colored clothing? Curious…..
Scott G, it’s much easier to see ticks on light-colored clothing. That makes it easier to get them off of you before they reach your skin.
Thanks for the reply, & thanks for posting this valuable information!