Middle Country district treats for ticks at 2 schools after parents' complaints

A pair of Middle County school district preschool and kindergarten facilities will begin treating their grounds for ticks earlier than planned following concerns from residents.

Parents whose children attend the Bicycle Path and Unity Drive PreK/Kindergarten Centers in Selden and Centereach have complained to the Middle County school district about "the presence of ticks in the areas" surrounding both buildings, the district said in a statement issued Monday. The district decided to push up tick treatment and spraying at both facilities to Tuesday. Spraying will commence at the district’s remaining properties in the coming days.

"Tick treatment and spraying are typically scheduled to begin in May, as applications are most effective when temperatures are consistently warm and conditions are dry," the district said. "Treatments applied too early in colder weather or during periods of rain are less effective. However, given the circumstances, tick treatment will begin tomorrow at Unity Drive and Bicycle Path."

Formerly a summertime problem, tick bites are now a year-round concern. Over the past few decades, as wildlife populations and temperatures have increased, so have Long Island’s tick population and the number of cases of tick-borne illnesses such as Lyme disease and alpha-gal syndrome, a meat allergy stemming from tick bites, Newsday previously reported. Experts question whether these diseases are more prevalent or just more commonly diagnosed.

The Middle County district has asked families to have their children wear light-colored clothes so ticks are more easily noticed, use insect repellent containing DEET or picaridin, both EPA-approved ingredients, and avoid tall grasses and wooded areas. Students and parents should also check themselves for ticks, including behind their ears and knees, along their hairline and under their arms. Clothing, backpacks and pets should also be inspected before going indoors.