How Long After a Tick Bite Will Symptoms Appear?

Throughout the Northeast this summer, our friends and family will return to the outdoors to enjoy the glorious weather we enjoy in our region. Sadly, there are a few critters that can severely damage our health when we go outside, and ticks are the primary threat to our health and happiness this time of year. As you may know, tick-borne diseases are on the rise throughout the United States, and this trend includes Massachusetts. In order to defend yourself from ticks and the diseases they carry, tick control is a vital measure to keep your time in the outdoors enjoyable. So, what are a few diseases to look out for, and how long will you have before diseases transmit to you from ticks?

Lyme disease is the most common tick-borne disease

It can take between 24 to 48 hours for Lyme disease to be transmitted upon being bitten by a black legged tick, but the tick must remain attached for the duration. Lyme disease will not be transmitted immediately. However, the same can’t be said for other diseases that ticks can spread.

Powassan virus transmits quickly

Powassan virus, for example, can be transmitted from a black-legged tick within 15 minutes, a dramatically shorter time frame than Lyme disease. Powassan virus is also more dangerous, so it is important to be wary as soon as you enter the outdoors. You never know where a tick might come from.

Is a Lone Star tick dangerous?

Alpha-gal syndrome is slightly different. Upon being bitten by a Lone Star tick that causes your body to respond and develop a reaction to the sugar know as Alpha-gal, it can take 4-6 weeks until symptoms arise, and you will most likely see the symptoms around 2-6 hours after eating meat or dairy products containing this molecule. This allergy may alleviate over time, but much is still unknown about this allergy, and some people may find the allergy will never go away.

Be on the lookout for Rocky Mountain spotted fever

Should you be bitten by an American dog tick, Rocky Mountain spotted fever can take 2 to 96 hours to transmit. Transmission time can vary for many of these diseases, so the best course of action is to get professional mosquito control and check for ticks during and after you spend time outside.

Florence tick control; best from Mosquito Squad

Rather than worry about ticks this summer, make sure to defend against them with the help of Mosquito Squad. We’ve worked for nearly 20 years to keep our customers defended against these creatures, and our tick control treatments are guaranteed to dramatically reduce the tick population on your property. Our treatments last for up to 21 days, meaning only occasional tick treatments are necessary. For all your Florence tick control needs, trust Mosquito Squad of Springfield to keep you defended against these creatures. Don’t expose yourself to dangerous tick-borne diseases! Give us a call at (413) 418-3359.

Also read: Lyme Disease in Dogs, Signs