Did you notice a huge increase in ticks this weekend?

[koochiching]

The dog and I both picked up many ticks this past week, walking on open sandy truck trails, with new grass springing up in the center. I've been averaging 4 per day, and I don't think I had that many all last year...

If ticks stay on the dog, they die... But some ride her into the house, then drop off and start looking for me...

I wonder how thick the ticks are on the islands in Kabetogama and Rainy Lakes? Or in some of the mainland campgrounds in that area?

k

[M.T. Bucket]

I've noticed far more deer ticks than usual in Itasca County. Usually I get hundreds of wood ticks in a season and one or two deer ticks. This year I've had at least ten deer ticks. Both last year and this year I had to get Doxycycline to head off potential Lyme disease after finding a deer tick that had to be attached for at least 24 hours. Sure could do without those little turds.

[Slothin'02]

We were up in Battle Lake and noticed a lot of ticks. Tall grass was the culprit. We pulled about 2 dozen off the dog Saturday night alone and another 12 or so yesterday. I'm sure we brought a couple home with us. We haven't really worried about it the last couple years, but it was bad this weekend.

BTW - Anyone use that "Frontline" on their dogs? We do, but I'm not sure how it works. I know it is released through the hair and skin, but how long does it take for the ticks to die? Do they then fall off, or stay attached?

We'll continue to pull them off, but I'm wondering what happens if we should miss one or two.

[koochiching]

Slothin',

Thank you for your information.

There's an excellent current thread about Frontline on this site. Go back to the "Main Index", then to "Hunting", then to "Hunting Dogs" Many posters, all with something positive to say about Frontline (except the price ).

My decidedly unscientific opinion is that ticks may realize the dog they're riding is toxic, and drop off. If the dog is a house pet, you end up with ticks running around on the house floors.

I wonder if people who kennel their dogs also notice live ticks on their garage floor, or on the kennel slab?

[Redlantern]

Slothin', I have a bunch of sled dogs and use bio spot on them for the ticks. I also put a couple of drops on their ears to help with flies. I've been very happy with the results. It also helps to not have any vegetation in the kennel area.