Tick Test

We are in the thick of it… or TICK of it. Tick season is all-year long, but we have been receiving reports of high tick numbers all spring and summer. Ticks are on the move and reports suggest very high populations, even in areas where ticks are typically less likely to be found such as mown lawns and walking paths. Make sure you are checking yourself and your family regularly when going out into lawns, parks, grassy or brushy areas.

 

Prevention should always be your first line of defense. But if you are bitten, it can be helpful to have the tick tested for pathogens. OSU now has a tick testing lab for just such a purpose.

 

The Buckeye Tick Test Lab, run by Dr. Risa Pesapane, will test your tick for the presence of illness-causing germs such as Lyme Disease (a full list of pathogens can be found here: https://buckeyeticktest.osu.edu/services ). Their testing panels check for diseases for humans AND animals, so you can send in ticks found on your pets or livestock as well. Different tick species can transmit different germs. Knowing what tick species and what pathogens are found can inform your conversation with a healthcare provider about your risk of infection and potential for tick-borne disease. It should not replace your doctor or veterinarian.

This information also helps Ohio researchers track the spread of ticks and tick-borne germs throughout Ohio. This information can be used to educate medical and veterinary communities. As ticks spread and populations continue to rise, surveillance is key to building awareness and providing timely updates on trends and management.

 

Step by step instructions can be found at http://buckeyeticktest.osu.edu. The cost is $49.99 per tick. After visiting the website and paying online, you will be sent a order form to print and include with the tick to be mailed in a zip-close bag. 

The submission form will generate after paying the $49.99 fee. This form must be included with your tick when mailing to the lab.

 

 

The tick will be identified, and any disease present will be provided in your final report within 72 hours. People are encouraged to use this information when discussing next steps with their medical provider.  

 

PREVENT TICKS FIRST!

 

• Wear long pants and long sleeve shirts if entering tick habitats.

 

• Tuck pants into socks and shirts into pants to limit tick access to skin. 

 

• The application of DEET insect repellents can help, at least 20-25% DEET is recommended.

 

• Permethrin-treated clothing is available to kill or repel ticks. 

 

• Always do a TICK CHECK after returning from outdoor activity, especially tick-heavy habitats.