Flagging for Ticks

Contents of this brochure are a result of collaborative efforts of the Lyme Disease Association of Ohio (LDAOhio) and the Ohio Health Department, Vector-Borne Disease Unit.





WHY SHOULD I BE CONCERNED ABOUT TICKS?

Any tick can carry and potentially transmit disease. Certain species of ticks can carry and transmit Lyme disease as well as Human Monocytic Ehrlichiosis, Human Granulocytic Ehrlichiosis, Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever, Babesiosis and Tularemia.

Awareness is the first step to prevention of these diseases. Knowing the enemy is your best defense.

Spring and fall are the best time of year to flag for ticks.


TOOLS I WILL NEED TO FLAG FOR TICKS

  1. A piece of muslin, or terry cloth - at least 36''x36'' or 48''x 48'' gives you an adequate surface that will cover a sizable area. Light color fabric provides a contrast to see the ticks.
  2. A pole to attach the cloth - about 60'' long - an old broom handle or even a piece of PVC pipe if you have a drill to make holes for attaching the cloth.
    You will need to tack or screw the cloth onto your handle to keep it from rotating.
  3. Tweezers - to remove any ticks found. Do not pick up any tick with your bare hands !
  4. A container to secure the tick - plastic film containers or a glass vial - anything with an airtight seal.
    Never add anything but a small drop of water or a piece of grass in with the tick(s).
    The tick must be alive in order to be examined.
  5. A basic diagram or layout of the property so you can mark where any ticks are found.
  6. A pencil for marking the diagram


HOW DO YOU FLAG A YARD?

  1. Have all the tools with you so you can secure any ticks you may find.
  2. Drag the cloth along the edge of your yard or anywhere you have tall grass, plants, or any unmowed area within your yard. Use a sweeping movement, back and forth over any plant life. Usually ticks are about waist high from the ground; however they will climb until they are high enough to attach to any passing blood meal (animal or human). Sweep about a 2'x2' area at a time.
  3. If you have a partner it is easier to hold the cloth and examine it for ticks, but you can flag by yourself.
    Remember to examine both sides of the cloth.
  4. If you see a tick, use the tweezers to remove it from the cloth and place it in the container. If you have a diagram, mark where you collected any ticks.
  5. Continue this process until you have competed the perimeter of your property.
  6. Remember the tick(s) need to be received alive. Don't leave them in a hot car, etc. before you mail or deliver them to:
    The Vector Borne Disease Unit
    900 Freeway Dr. N.
    Columbus, Oh 43229


WHAT INFORMATION SHOULD I SEND WITH THE TICK(S)?
Fill out the Tick Testing and Identification Program Sheet carefully (see copy of the form below) and send it to the address on the form.


WHAT INFORMATION WILL BE ON THE REPORT?
You will be notified about the species of the tick and any test results concerning disease


WHAT IF A TICK IS INFECTED?
If the report shows that a tick is infected, do not panic.
Ticks drop off of birds as well as deer and small rodents.


HOW CAN I PROTECT MYSELF AND MY FAMILY?
You can protect your family and your yard by going to a lawn and garden store and purchasing a granular pesticide. Most formulas for turf pests will be effective. Placing a path of the granular pesticide makes a barrier between the wild and your yard. (see the illustration below) Consider flagging again to keep the ticks in check.


Call the Vector-Borne Disease Unit if you have any questions: 614-752-1029

http://www.odh.state.oh.us/ODHPrograms/ZOODIS/VBDP/Pubs/OVN0404.pdf

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TICK TESTING AND IDENTIFICATION PROGRAM FORM 


Lab Use   VDBU No.______________               Vector-borne Disease Unit
Only:     Date Rec._____________               900 Freeway Dr., N.
          ID____________________               Columbus, OH 43229
          Results_______________               614-752-1029
INSTRUCTIONS FOR SUBMITTING TICKS:
All ticks will be identified. Species of tick suggests what disease to watch for all Ixodes that have bitten a person, and all Ixodes scapularis will be tested if received alive.
Moisten paper strip with one drop of water, place tick and paper in vial and seal vial tightly.
Place vial with tick and this completed form in mailing tube (or padded envelope).
Attach postage and mail.

PLEASE COMPLETE THE FOLLOWING:

 Was the tick attached?     Yes_____     No_____ 
 Date Collected:________________________________
 Ohio County where tick exposure Occured:_________________
 Tick was on: Human:____ Animal:____ What kind?___________  
 Other Surface:___________________________________________  
 Describe:________________________________________________  

Patient/Collector's 
 Name:____________________________ Age: ______ Sex: ______
 Address:_________________________________________________
 City:_________________________ State:______ Zip:_________  
 Phone: ______________

Send Results To: (if different from patient)  
 Name: ___________________________ Age: ______ Sex: ______
 Address:_________________________________________________
 City:_________________________ State:______ Zip:_________  
 Phone: ______________

IMPORTANT NOTE: TEST results are NOT DIAGNOSTIC. If you think you have a tick-borne disease, seek medical attention. Do not wait for test results.


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