Ticks hunt for blood early

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Short-mowed grass grows along the bank of the Mississippi River in Cassville, Wisconsin. Areas with mowed grass as well as barriers of gravel, water or wood chips around them are less likely to harbor ticks.

Jason Maloney/For Agri-View

Red the sturdy and loyal Australian Shepherd takes a break in dense undergrowth. In much of Wisconsin undergrowth, grassland and forests harbor a wealth of ticks.

Jason Maloney/For Agri-View

Red naps on a gravel pad at a developed campsite. Mowed areas and gravel pads are less likely to harbor ticks. Pets should be protected with tick collars and medication.

Jason Maloney/For Agri-View

A rash from a tick bite after an outing in a northern-Wisconsin forest shows signs of infection. Consult a doctor promptly if a rash or fever develops after any tick bite.

Jason Maloney/For Agri-View

A farmer wears long pants and long sleeves while making hay. The best way to prevent tick-borne illnesses is to avoid being bit. Wearing the proper clothing helps prevent tick bites.

Jason Maloney/For Agri-View

Red smiles while enjoying an outdoor adventure. He is an anaplasmosis survivor. By taking precautions and seeking treatment promptly when necessary, we can enjoy the outdoors in spite of the spread of ticks across Wisconsin and other parts of North America.

Jason Maloney/For Agri-View

Jason Maloney and Red

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Jason Maloney For Agri-View

With an exceptionally mild winter behind us many are looking forward to fields and forests regaining green foliage. But many who have already ventured out are finding early signs of a big tick season to come. Though ticks are most common from May through November in Wisconsin, early reports of deer ticks from across the state mean it’s time to review best practices to prevent tick bites and the diseases they can transmit.

Jason Maloney is an “elderly” farm boy from Marinette County, Wisconsin. He’s a retired educator, a retired soldier and a lifelong Wisconsin resident. He lives on the shore of Lake Superior with his wife, Cindy Dillenschneider, and Red, a sturdy loyal Australian Shepherd.