Tick Season Alert: Stay Safe in Ausable This Spring and Summer

Dear Ausable Residents,

As we welcome the warmer days of May, the Clinton County Health Department reminds us that tick season is upon us. Ticks can carry diseases that affect both people and pets, so it’s crucial to stay vigilant. Here’s what you need to know to protect yourself, your family, and your furry friends in the Town of Ausable.

Why Ticks Are a Concern

Ticks thrive in shady, moist areas like tall grass, brush, and shrubs, typically 18-24 inches off the ground. They’re common in lawns, gardens, and at the edges of woods—places we often enjoy in our beautiful Ausable community. With temperatures now consistently above 40°F, adult deer ticks (about the size of a sesame seed) and tiny nymph ticks (as small as a poppy seed) are emerging and will remain active through fall.

How to Prevent Tick Bites

The best defense against ticks is to avoid their favorite hangouts and take preventive measures. Here are some practical tips:

• Stick to the Center of Trails: When hiking or walking in areas like Ausable Marsh and Wickham Marsh or on other local trails, stay on the path and avoid dense woods or bushy areas.
• Dress Smart: Wear light-colored, tightly woven clothing to spot ticks easily. Opt for long pants, long-sleeved shirts, and enclosed shoes. Tuck pant legs into socks or boots and shirts into pants.
• Use Repellents: Apply EPA-approved insect repellents containing DEET, picaridin, IR3535, oil of lemon eucalyptus, or 2-undecanone.
• Treat Gear: Use products with 0.5% permethrin on clothing, boots, and gear (but never directly on skin).
• Protect Kids and Pets: Cover strollers and baby carriers with mosquito netting, and keep children away from animal nests. Check pets regularly, as they can bring ticks indoors.
• Shower and Check: After outdoor activities, shower as soon as possible to wash off unattached ticks. Make tick checks a routine for your family and pets, focusing on hidden spots like underarms, ears, belly buttons, behind knees, between legs, around the waist, and the scalp.

What to Do If You Find a Tick

If you or a loved one has been bitten by a tick, remove it promptly and monitor for symptoms like fever, chills, aches, pains, or a rash. Contact your doctor and inform them of the bite. Early detection is key to preventing tick-borne illnesses.

Stay Informed

For more information on ticks and how to stay safe, visit the Clinton County Health Department’s resource at health.clintoncountyny.gov/nc_heattheffect/Ticks.pdf.

Enjoy Ausable Safely

Our town’s natural beauty is a treasure, and with a few precautions, we can enjoy it safely. Whether you’re exploring the outdoors or relaxing in your backyard, stay tick-aware to keep this season fun and healthy for everyone.

If you have concerns or need further guidance, reach out to your local representatives:

• Sen. Dan Stec: (518) 455-2811, stec@nysenate.gov
• Assemblyman Billy Jones: (518) 455-5943
• Assemblyman Matt Simpson: (518) 455-5565, SimpsonM@nyassembly.gov

Let’s keep Ausable safe and tick-free this season!

Sincerely,
-Tim