If you have never pulled a tick from your skin, or that of your child, consider yourself lucky! Eastern blacklegged ticks (Ixodes scapularis) and western blacklegged ticks (Ixodes pacificus) can carry spirochete bacteria that cause Lyme disease—Borrelia burgdorferi sensu stricto and Borrelia mayonii. Both can unfortunately be transmitted to humans through tick bites, leading to a cascade of serious health issues. But these ticks are just the tip of the iceberg!

While the majority of reported Lyme disease cases occur in 14 states in the north central, northeast, and mid-Atlantic regions of the U.S., tick-borne disease is becoming more prevalent and more relevant by the day.

If you live in Canada particularly Ontario, you are also likely familiar with ticks and tick-borne diseases. Unfortunately, your doctors may not be!

There’s been nearly a 300 percent increase in U.S. counties classified as high incidence for Lyme disease. During that time, the number of counties where the blacklegged tick has been documented has more than doubled!

Research is ongoing in the world of ticks. Here, a new study by CDC researchers maps the distribution of Lyme disease spirochetes, Borrelia burgdorferi sensu stricto and Borrelia mayonii, in host-seeking blacklegged ticks (image originally published Fleshman et al 2021, Journal of Medical Entomology).

If Lyme disease was the only concern, we could probably get a handle on it. Unfortunately, this isn’t the only tickborne illness in the country. Tickborne diseases are more and more common, but the medical field isn’t always prepared and these illnesses often go undiagnosed or misdiagnosed. It should be noted that blacklegged ticks also carry pathogens that cause the relapsing fever Borrelia miyamotoi disease, anaplasmosis, babesiosis, one form of ehrlichiosis, and Powassan virus.

Pheasants Forever has done a great job of bringing attention to the expansion of ticks and offers some really important key symptoms to be on the lookout for in your canines. While it’s difficult to find similar information for people, know that we are just as susceptible!

So next time you’re out and about, look around, look down! Be thinking about ticks and chiggers, and do what you can to protect yourself from these prolific crawling insects before you go out. While you hear a lot about blacklegged ticks, there are many more to be aware of and several tick-borne diseases to be thinking about.

So next time you’re planning a camping or fishing trip, consider your options for staying protected. SickTick bands are designed for everyday all-season use. They can protect you from ticks and chiggers crawling up from grass and vegetation that you brush up against. While sprays are great, especially if you’re wearing shorts and tanks, if you’re wearing long pants, you can keep ticks and chiggers from getting in by putting up a barrier with Ankle or Leg Bands down low, and a Waist Band a bit higher.

The proprietary Permethrin treatment by InsectShield is complete, each fabric fiber comes out with a long-lasting repellent effect that cannot be duplicated with a spray.

Ticks and chiggers crawl up, but they cannot handle the neurotoxic effect of stepping on Permethrin coated fibers, they cannot cross the band. The SickTick InsectShield treatment lasts all season, keeping ticks and chiggers from crawling up your legs or torso and finding a way in. They bands are easy-on and easy-off and you don’t have to worry about retreatment.

You’ll never regret keeping your family safe outdoors! Learn more about our SickTick band line-up today, and be sure to take advantage of our multi-product discounts!