AUDIO: Dr. Teresa Steckler – U of I Extension
An educator with the University of Illinois Extension says tick prevention should be top of mind for all agricultural workers.
Dr. Teresa Steckler tells Brownfield unseasonably warm weather early this spring gave the ticks a head start.
“What we’re seeing is definitely an increase in tick population and that the different species of ticks are moving.” She says, “This year we’ve had several rains that have made the environment much more conducive for ticks to boom.”
She says producers need to be proactive when it comes to preventing tick bites.
“Treat your pants. There’s several different products.” She says, “You can use deet products or permethrins. I prefer the permethrins, the pump spray myself, and then it’ll actually last through a couple washings as well, so you get added protection.”
Steckler says producers should make a tick check part of their everyday routine, and she also recommends checking any pets on the operation for ticks nightly as well.
