The arrival of spring marks the beginning of tick season in North Idaho, which could be worse than previous years following a mild winter.

Idaho Fish and Game has already observed a higher tick load on moose throughout the Panhandle, said IFG Regional Communications Manager T.J. Ross.

Mild winter temperatures result in lesser die-off of the parasites compared to colder, harsher winters, Ross said. Mild weather also means ticks become active earlier in the year.

Ticks are usually found in forested areas and tall grasses, meaning they’re common in the Panhandle.  

“They’re prevalent everywhere,” Ross said. “You get into the forest and you’re in tick country.” 

Ticks are typically most active in spring and early summer as both nymphs and adults feed on the blood of animals, including humans. 

Despite the prevalence of multiple species of tick in North Idaho, only one species found regionally, the deer tick, can carry Lyme disease.  

Compared to other areas of the country, the Pacific and Inland Northwest generally see relatively low numbers of tick-borne illnesses in humans and animals, said Candace Clark-Brailey, a veterinary technician with Companions Animal Center in Hayden.  

“It’s rare, but something to consider,” Clark-Brailey said.  

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention advises avoiding contact with ticks whenever possible due to disease risk. 

This can be done by staying out of tall grasses and vegetation, as ticks typically wait on the outer reaches of a plant to then grab on to the animal or person that brushes by.  

EPA-registered insect repellants containing ingredients such as DEET or picaridin are effective at deterring ticks, the CDC’s website said.  

Following time outdoors, the CDC advises checking underarm areas, in and around the ears, inside the belly button, behind the knees, in hair, between the legs, and around the waist for ticks, in addition to showering promptly. 

Preventative approaches are equally effective for keeping ticks off pets, Clark-Brailey said, recommending topical treatments such as Frontline Plus.  

“To prevent the ticks from biting to begin with is a great measure,” Clark-Brailey said.  

Pets should be checked just as thoroughly, particularly in any grooves, in their armpits, between toes — and even in their gums.  

“They’re nasty little critters,” Clark-Brailey said. “They’re very creative with how they go about getting a meal.”  

In the event someone finds a tick embedded in themselves or their pet, Clark-Brailey advised using clean tweezers to pull it straight out, starting as close to the head as possible and moving slowly to ensure full extraction.  

The skin should then be washed with soap and water and monitored for signs of infection.  

Clark-Brailey warned against popular methods that involve trying to use heat or substances like petroleum jelly to make the tick detach.

“Don’t do any of that,” Clark-Brailey said.