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WVU Extension Service expert advises residents on reducing tick populations

Female ticks

The lone star tick, blacklegged tick and American dog tick are the most common tick varieties found in West Virginia.

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Mowing grass frequently, trimming trees and using insecticide where appropriate can help protect people from ticks. Dressing appropriately can also reduce the likelihood of a tick attack, according to a West Virginia University Extension Service expert.

Daniel Frank
WVU Extension entomology specialist
304.293.8835; dlfrank@mail.wvu.edu

“The most important and effective method for protecting yourself from tick-borne diseases is simply checking your body regularly for ticks. If you notice a tick, don’t be alarmed. Simply remove and kill it. The probability of a tick transmitting a disease-causing pathogen increases the longer an infected tick is attached — for instance in the case of Lyme disease, ticks must be attached for at least 36 to 48 hours.”

West Virginia University experts can provide commentary, insights and opinions on various news topics. Search for an expert by name, title, area of expertise, or college/school/department in the Experts Database at WVU Today.

-WVU-

pp/06/22/17