Q. Are ticks a major concern in California? I moved here from the East Coast and everyone was concerned about Lyme disease.
California is home to at least 48 species of ticks, and only 6 of these tend to attach to humans. One of these, the Western blacklegged tick, transmits the organism that causes Lyme disease (Borrelia burgdorferi). These ticks can be found almost exclusively in Northern California. The deer tick, responsible for transmitting Lyme disease in the Eastern U.S., is not a concern in the Western U.S.
Lyme disease was first reported in California in 1989. As of 2016, there have been 2600 reported cases in the state. Only 1-2% of adult Western blacklegged ticks carry Lyme disease, but up to 20% of the immature nymphs carry it. Nevertheless, avoiding contact with ticks is always a good idea, Lyme disease or not.
Ticks like to hang out in heavy forest areas or in grasslands that border forests. January through October is considered prime tick season, so if you are hiking or entering tick territory, you should take some precautions to avoid acquiring these obnoxious hitchhikers. Wear long pants, socks, shoes, and a long-sleeved shirt. Tuck your shirt into your pants and your pants into your socks. Use repellents containing Permethrin or DEET – these will repel mosquitoes as well as ticks.
Afterwards, inspect yourself for any ticks – check any exposed areas, particularly the scalp, neck, and behind the ears. Take a hot shower and wash clothes in hot water. If you find a tick, remove by using a pair of tweezers, grasping the body and pulling the tick straight out, taking care not to leave the mouthparts behind. Do not use a hot match, alcohol, gasoline, or any other dubious (and dangerous) remedies. If you have pets, make sure to keep current with their flea and tick treatments as well.
Ticks are not just creepy and icky. They can transmit Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever, tularemia, human babesiosis, and borrelia. Opossums devour hundreds of ticks as a regular part of their diet, so you may want to leave them alone if you see them.
Q. Is table salt good for weed control?
Salt is good for killing weeds – and any other plant as well. I cringe every time I see a post recommending any combination of salt, vinegar, and/or Dawn detergent for weed control. Salt tends to remain in the soil for a long time, rendering it uninhabitable for any plant life. If you water the ground where a high concentration of salt was deposited, the runoff will kill anything in its path. (There’s a reason ancient armies would salt the farmland of their enemies.)
Vinegar, especially 30% “cleaning vinegar” is extremely acidic and can cause chemical burns. This, too, will damage the soil and kill many beneficial organisms. Dawn detergent strips away plants’ waxy cuticle that protects leaves from water loss. Save it for greasy dishes.
Los Angeles County
mglosangeleshelpline@ucdavis.edu; 626-586-1988; http://celosangeles.ucanr.edu/UC_Master_Gardener_Program/
Orange County
ucceocmghotline@ucanr.edu; http://mgorange.ucanr.edu/
Riverside County
anrmgriverside@ucanr.edu; 951-955-0170; https://ucanr.edu/sites/RiversideMG/
San Bernardino County
mgsanbern@ucanr.edu; 909-387-2182; http://mgsb.ucanr.edu