Ticked off? Preventing and treating bites from ticks and no-see-ums in Kansas City
You can still enjoy the great outdoors and stay safe by taking a few precautions.
By Roy Harryman
Publisher
Everyone has an outdoor nemesis. Mine happens to be chiggers. For others, it’s snakes, poison ivy or seasonal allergies. But the most common enemy, in Missouri and Kansas, is ticks.
We have two responses to these nearly invisible saboteurs: We can hide or we can fight.
Because of the numerous health benefits of outdoor exercise and nature, hiding isn’t an option for me. I fully recognize that some may need to curtail outdoor activity during tick season because of serious health issues – so there’s no judgement here if that’s you.
So how do we seriously weigh the threat of tick-born diseases without becoming paranoid and hiding indoors? I asked an expert, Dr. Todd Fristoe, MD, from St. Luke’s Health Primary Care, to weigh in on tick safety. You can watch the full interview below.
Before I sent you there, here are a few observations that can help you not only survive, but thrive during tick season:
Tick season is anytime it’s above freezing. This does not mean ticks automatically “switch on” when the temperature hits 32F. It does mean it’s possible they are active. In my personal experience (as limited as that is), I don’t begin encountering ticks until there are a few successive weeks of thaw.
I see lots of social media posts indicating people were shocked – shocked! – that they encountered ticks on their walk through waist-high weeds in July. If you’re in the Midwest, expect ticks and take precautions. It’s just that simple.
Not everyone is equally affected by ticks. Dr. Fristoe speaks on this topic, but I can echo this from personal experience. Three hikers can walk the exact same path and one of them will return covered with ticks while the others are clean. Some people, for whatever reason, are “tick magnets.” If you’re one of them, take extra precautions.
If you have any concern about reactions from ticks or other bug bites, get medical attention. It might be nothing, but it could be something. Better safe than sorry.
Finally, tick safety is summarized in this handy-dandy downloadable poster.
Wishing you a tick-free hike. Carpe diem!
If you enjoy the outdoors in Kanas City, no doubt you’re familiar with “no-see-ums.” That’s a descriptor for tiny insects including ticks, chiggers and mosquitos that strike before you notice them. Yes, they’re annoying. But are they dangerous?
There’s a lot of concern about contracting Lyme’s Disease from ticks. How much concern should we have and what precautions should we take? And what about mosquitoes? Spiders? Chiggers? And others?
Dr. Todd Fristoe, MD, joins us from St. Luke’s Health Primary Care to answer these important questions for hikers, bikers and others who love nature. The short answer is: Yes! You can enjoy the outdoors without fear. But make sure you know insect bit prevention and how to treat problematic insect bites.
An interview on tick bite prevention in Greater Kansas City with Dr. Todd Fristoe, MD
Tick prevention: Quick tips to stay safe
🐞 Local Tick Species: Three primary ticks in the area: black-legged (deer) tick, lone star tick, and dog tick. Each is capable of transmitting different diseases.
🩺 Disease Risks: Potential illnesses include Lyme disease, erlichiosis, Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever, and tularemia.
🚨 Symptoms to Watch: Look for bullseye rash, fever, chills, muscle aches, and unusual symptoms 3-14 days after tick bite.
🛡️ Prevention Strategies:
Stay on trail center, away from brush.
Use Permethrin-infused clothing.
Apply DEET or EPA-approved insect repellents.
Use natural alternatives like oil of eucalyptus.
📊 Local Incidence: Low numbers (29-30 cases of erlichiosis, 10 Lyme disease cases in Jackson County from 2016-2019)
🩹 Medical Advice: Inform healthcare providers about outdoor activities and potential tick exposure.
🌿 Outdoor Enjoyment: Don't be afraid, just be prepared and cautious.
Overview of Interview on tick bite prevention with Dr. Todd Fristoe, MD
Introduction Introduction of Dr. Todd Fristoe, family physician
Ticks and Other Outdoor Menaces
Overview of ticks, chiggers, and their dangers- Importance of understanding risk levels
Types of Ticks in the Area
Black-legged tick (deer tick): Associated disease: Lyme disease, erlichiosis, Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever
Lone star tick: Associated diseases include erlichiosis, tularimia, Southern tick-associated rash illness
Dog tick: Potential for carrying tularimia
Symptoms and Medical Attention
Identification of Lyme disease and its bullseye rash; Other tick-borne illnesses and their symptoms; Importance of seeking medical attention after tick bites.
Risk of Tick-Borne Illnesses
Discussion on the incidence of tick-borne diseases in Jackson County; Comparison of disease seriousness vs. incident rates.
Preventive Measures Against Tick Bites
Staying on trails and avoiding brush; Use of Permethrin-infused clothing; Application of DEET and other insect repellents; Consideration of natural repellents (e.g., oil of lemon eucalyptus).
Effectiveness of Repellents
Comparisons between DEET and natural products; Importance of following product instructions and reapplication.
Susceptibility to Tick Bites
Discussion on varying susceptibility among individuals; Possible influence of blood type and pheromones on tick attraction.
Other Insects to Be Aware Of
Awareness of mosquitoes and potential diseases (e.g., encephalitis); General precautions for insect bites and bites from spiders.
Encouragement for Outdoor Activity
Importance of enjoying the outdoors with proper precautions; Recommendations for camping and nighttime activities.