SHAWANO COUNTY, WI – With warmer temperatures settling into the area, health officials say tick season is already underway and arriving earlier than expected. Nick Mau, Health Director with the Shawano-Menominee Counties Health Department, says the trend has become increasingly noticeable in recent years.
“We continue to see just earlier and earlier tick activity every year,” Mau said, noting that even after heavy snowfall or colder winters, ticks are emerging sooner and staying active longer.
Mau says this time of year can be especially dangerous because ticks are in their early stages, making them smaller and harder to detect. He urges residents to be diligent when spending time outdoors, including checking clothing, skin, children, and even pets after being in wooded or brush-heavy areas. “They’re really hard to see, so it’s important to do a thorough check when you come back inside,” he said.
Health officials are also warning about the risks of Lyme disease, which can be difficult to diagnose due to symptoms that mimic other illnesses. Mau says warning signs can include fatigue, loss of appetite, fever, body soreness, and the well-known bullseye rash around a bite. He advises anyone experiencing symptoms after a tick bite to contact their healthcare provider.
If a tick is found, Mau recommends removing it carefully using tweezers, grabbing as close to the skin as possible to avoid leaving parts behind. He cautions against using heat or other risky removal methods that could cause further harm.
To prevent tick bites, Mau encourages simple precautions like wearing long clothing, tucking pants into socks, using insect repellents, and showering promptly after being outdoors. “Our best defense is being proactive,” Mau said. “Check yourself, check your family, and take those steps to stay protected.”
Officials say staying vigilant early in the season can go a long way in reducing the risk of tick-related illness as conditions continue to favor their activity.
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