Beat the Heat and the Ticks This Summer!

As summer approaches, it’s time to gear up for outdoor fun, but are you ready to face one of nature’s most unwelcome guests? We’ve got the scoop straight from Thomas Mather, the University of Rhode Island's tick expert, who’s been sharing his knowledge on how to outsmart ticks and enjoy a tick-free summer.

Your Summer Tick Survival Guide!

Mather, known for his expertise at the URI’s Center for Vector-Borne Disease, emphasizes that simply looking around your yard can unveil crucial information about tick risks this season. "Ticks thrive in damp environments, so if you're watering your lawn this Memorial Day, you might be inviting unwanted guests into your yard," he warns.

Aim for dry weather! If Rhode Island can dodge rain until after the Fourth of July, tick numbers are likely to plummet. Here’s a pro tip: after a day of hiking or exploring, toss your clothes in the dryer instead of the washer. Ticks can withstand laundry cycles, but a quick 5 to 10 minutes on high heat will create conditions that can wipe them out!

The Tick Boom: What's Happening?

In the 1990s, Mather's research revealed that ticks were mainly found in southern Rhode Island, but they’ve now invaded urban areas, especially near Narragansett Bay. Notably, lone star ticks are on the rise. Though they don’t carry Lyme disease, they are notorious for being aggressive as they hunt for their next meal.

Understanding the Menace