To All Residents:
After hearing reports of increased coyote activity, we will again hire a firm to trap and remove some of the coyote pack in Bratenahl. Traps will be set in the next week or so and will remain until a time yet determined. The effort is to reduce, not eliminate these wild animals in order to keep people and pets safe.
There has been a significant increase in the tick population across Ohio. Please see the information below. It is unusual to see ticks this early in the year, so please take precautions. Ticks can carry Lyme Disease which can have a debilitating effect on humans.
From the Ohio Department of Health:
Take the time to learn about Ohio's tick species and how to protect yourself. You may be able to identify a tick you found using the diagram below. If you believe the tick is a lone star or black-legged tick, or if you are unable to identify the tick, you may send the tick to your local health department for identification.
To have the tick identified, it should be saved in a hard container such as a pill bottle or film canister. Place a few blades of grass in the container with the tick. Containers should be mailed as soon as possible. If needed, the ticks may be safely refrigerated for several days until mailed. Be sure to include the following contact information: name, address and phone number; date tick was collected; Ohio county where it was collected, and indicate whether or not the tick was attached to a person or animal.
Ohio Department of Health - Ticks
LYME DISEASE & ACTIVITY OF BLACKLEGGED TICKS IN OHIO
Blacklegged ticks are active throughout the year in Ohio. The adults are active in the spring, fall and winter. The nymphs are active in the spring and summer and the larvae are active late summer. The onset of human Lyme disease cases occurs year-round in Ohio but peaks in summer following the emergence of nymphs. (Source: ODH, Zoonotic Disease Program).
TICK BITE PREVENTION
A few simple measures can decrease your chances of being bitten by a harmful tick while out in the field:
· Know when and where to expect ticks. (Blacklegged ticks are found in the woods; dog ticks are in grassy areas and road edges.)
· Use repellents according to labels.
· Tuck your pants into your socks and boots and tuck your shirt into your pants.
· Check yourself, family and pets regularly and remove ticks immediately.
· Use anti-tick products on pets.
· Ask your veterinarian about Lyme vaccines for pets where black-legged ticks are found.
· Create a tick-safe zone in your yard.
To use tick repellent properly follow these steps:
1. First, purchase an insect repellent containing permethrin.
2. Apply the permethrin to your pants and boots and allow them to dry.
3. When heading to the field, tuck your pants into your boots to prevent tick access to your skin.
Once the permethrin is dry, it has no odor and leaves no stain. The repellent should remain effective throughout the hunting season, even with exposure to moisture or hot-water washing.
TICK REMOVAL
If you are bitten by a tick, do not panic. Carefully remove the tick, including its mouthparts, from your skin using tweezers. Monitor your health the following days. While the CDC recognizes a 36-48 hr. window is needed for disease transmission, there is evidence that transmission can occur sooner.
ADDITIONAL DOWNLOADS
Information about Ticks for Ohio Deer Hunters [pdf]
FOR MORE INFORMATION
Contact Us
1-800-WILDLIFE
(800) 945-3543
wildinfo@dnr.ohio.gov
Report a Wildlife Violation
Submit a Report Online
Call 1-800-POACHER
(800) 762-2437
EXTERNAL RESOURCES
Ohio Department of Health - Ticks
Preventing Ticks in the Yard