Will a flash freeze affect ticks?

Can a flash freeze work in our favor against ticks?

At the time of this writing, Massachusetts is under a winter storm warning. This means different things for different parts of our state. Some temperatures are below freezing, others are hovering right above. Can a winter storm, a flash freeze specifically, kill ticks?

Will a flash freeze kill ticks? — Will ticks survive winter storms and flash freeze scenarios?

What is a flash freeze exactly?

A flash freeze is simply explained. Areas, where temperatures were (or are) right above 32°F, woke up to rain this morning. A cold rain, but rain nonetheless. A flash freeze happens when the above-freezing temperature falls below freezing, causing precipitation that is on the ground and other surfaces to freeze. The glaze produced by this weather event is extremely slippery and spells bad news for commuters. But is a flash freeze bad for ticks?

Winter weather does not kill ticks.

The type of winter weather we have in Massachusetts, though cold and uncomfortable, is not enough to kill ticks. Over the past decade or more, black-legged tick populations have grown and thrived, much in part due to the warming climate here and everywhere. And even though ticks thrive in warm climes, they are hearty enough to survive the winter, unless that winter delivers sustained days of extreme cold. If you are thinking that today’s winter weather will help reduce the number of ticks in Massachusetts, think again. Ticks will survive a flash freeze. And as for snow, well, it can help insulate ticks, which are burrowed beneath the soil, bedded down for the season.

Tick control is as essential as ever.

tick control There is no need to call off the assault, because you will still need to make a concerted effort to kill ticks around your home this spring, summer, and fall. As nice as it would be to count on Mother Nature to eliminate ticks for us, she is not in the tick control business in Massachusetts these days. This is not all bad news, because professional tick control companies are gearing up for their spring season. What’s more, there are steps you can take to help your property become less appealing to ticks. Spring is the time for renewal and outdoor maintenance projects. Be sure to follow the 6 C’s of tick control as you take care of lawn maintenance and install new landscaping.

What are the 6 C’s of tick control?

Clear out
Clean
Choose plants
Check hiding places
Care for family pets
Call the tick control pros

Also read: How bad are ticks in Massachusetts?

Dave Macchia mosquito conrol and tick control enthusiast — Dave Macchia
Central Mass enthusiast for effective season-long mosquito and tick protection

Is gene editing the answer to Lyme disease prevention?

For the last couple of years, MIT evolutionary biologist, Kevin Esvelt, has been in discussions with residents and health officials of Martha’s Vineyard and Nantucket, about the release of transgenic mice to fight Lyme disease.

His research and ideas are part of a new Netflix docu-series, Unnatural Selection. CRISPR is the name of the technology, which allows us to cut and paste DNA into any living thing – plant, animal, human – to change, or arguably improve the DNA of the recipient. CRISPR could be the answer to congenital disease eradication. Alzheimer’s and Cystic Fibrosis could become diseases of the past. But at what cost? Truth is, we don’t know. What does CRISPR mean for Lyme disease prevention?

Is gene editing the answer to Lyme prevention?

Esvelt presents a strong case when it comes to the idea of using CRISPR technology to prevent Lyme disease. It all begins with the white-footed mouse, conveyor of Borrelia burgdorferi, the bacteria that causes Lyme disease. When a tick feeds on the blood of white-footed mice, it contracts the bacteria. This bacteria is then transmitted to humans, who are bitten by an infected tick. About 50% of the residents of Martha’s Vineyard and Nantucket report having acute Lyme infection at least once in their lives. Currently, tick control is the only preventive measure we can take against Lyme disease.

white footed mouse

What will happen if we genetically edit the DNA of the white-footed mouse to prevent Lyme disease?

what will an engineered ecosystem look like? While all of this sounds like a wild science-fiction movie, it is real life. The idea is simpler than the science behind it, so I will explain the anticipated outcome of gene-edited mice. Esvelt says that they intend to edit the DNA of 2,000 mice, or less, and release them into the wild. The white-footed mouse already produces natural antibodies for the Borrelia burgdorferi bacteria. Because of these antibodies, not all mice are infected with the Lyme-causing bacteria. The idea is to edit the DNA of white-footed mice, so they naturally produce higher levels of the natural bacteria-fighting antibodies. These transgenic mice will reproduce new generations, who naturally have higher antibodies against the bacteria. When they are bitten by ticks, they will have no Lyme bacteria to pass on to the tick – essentially breaking the cycle of the spread of Lyme disease. The problems is, we are unsure of what an engineered ecosystem will look like. That will not be known until highly-controlled field trials are carried out – long before they can be released into the human population of Martha’s Vineyard and Nantucket.

Deer ticks are the main culprits in the spread of Lyme disease. Why not edit the DNA of deer?

For that matter, why not edit the DNA of ticks? The white-footed mouse is the prime candidate for gene editing to prevent Lyme for a couple of reasons. There is a massive population of deer on Nantucket and Martha’s Vineyard. One deer can have up to 1,000 ticks feeding at once. Deer are not carriers of the Lyme bacteria, Borrelia burgdorferi. They cannot spread Lyme disease.

gene editing to prevent Lyme disease

Ticks are not viable candidates, because they have a two-year life cycle, and do not become reproductive quickly. Mice can begin reproducing at the age of 8 to 10 weeks, making them the only viable candidate for gene editing to stop the spread of Lyme. Will these proposed measures come to be?

Dave Macchia, tick control enthusiast — Dave Macchia, Central Mass tick control enthusiast

We are likely a couple of years away from field trials and the eventual release of DNA-edited mice – if the proposal is approved by residents and health officials. Until then, it is important that you practice personal tick protection when you are away from home. As always, I recommend professional tick control around your home – all year long.

Tick control for next spring begins now – set it, and forget it!

Tick control in Central Mass has never been more critical. You should know that ticks do not die in the winter, but you can control the amount of ticks you see on your property next year with set-it-and-forget-it tick protection.

A few month’s ago, the CDC reported that due to substantial increase in confirmed cases of tick-borne illnesses, tick control efforts must be expanded. Each year, we find that ticks are expanding their geographic reach. New tick species and new disease-causing germs are being identified in the U.S. too.

tick control Central Mass — *Many Central Mass residents believe that ticks cannot withstand Massachusetts winters, which is not true. They do survive – and they will unless you stop them.*

You can break the tick life cycle around your home to protect your family.

Central Mass ticks hunker down each winter for their survival. They are most often in the nests of mice. Mice are ambitious nest builders, to create a place where they too, can survive harsh winters. They gather various materials to build their nests around your property, and unwittingly create a cozy spot for ticks live.

tick control Central MA — *Mice aid in the survival of Central Mass ticks*

A special tick control method with tick tubes is an essential part of controlling the tick population that will re-emerge next spring. Since mice aid in the survival of the tick population in the wintertime, they can also help eliminate ticks. It is such a simple, yet ingenious solution.

Tick tubes are the answer to eliminating ticks, who live in the nests of mice. Tick tubes are simply small tubes made of biodegradable cardboard material. Each tube contains cotton that has been treated with insecticide. Relying on the nesting instincts of mice, we know that they will gather the treated cotton to carry back to their nests. The insecticide will not harm the mice, but it will kill the ticks that come in contact with it. Ticks can come into contact with the cotton in the nest, or come in contact with the mouse while trying to get a blood meal from the mouse. Either way – the tick will not survive.

Less ticks next spring is a good thing for your Central Mass family

see less ticks in the springtime Getting a jump start on springtime tick control is essential in the fight against the spread of tick-borne diseases. Before you hire a tick control professional to spray your yard next spring, hire them to place tick tubes around your home and property now.

Protect your Central Mass home and family all year long with a professional tick control program, including tick tubes. The fight against tick-born diseases in Central Mass should always begin at home.

Health warning issued after Maynard MA resident contracts rare and dangerous tick-borne illness

Earlier this week, Maynard MA health officials issued a warning to Central MA residents after a confirmed case of Powassan virus, a very rare and dangerous tick-borne illness.

Powassan is viral infection passed from an infected tick to humans, which can cause encephalitis and meningitis – infections of the brain and spinal cord. It cannot be spread from human-to-human. Though rare, the number of reported illnesses resulting from Powassan in Central Mass have risen over the last few years.

Central MA tick protection is essential for the prevention of tick-borne illnesses, such as Powassan

Maynard Public Health Division and Town Administrator, Greg Johnson, are reminding Central Mass residents to always practice proper tick protection while enjoying the great outdoors.

If you are going into wooded or grassy areas, where ticks are prevalent, here are some easy rules to follow:

Walk in the middle of wooded trails during hikes, away from foliage
Use repellent, such as DEET or picaridin on exposed skin, strictly following product application instructions
Check your entire body for ticks when you return from the outdoors – use a handheld or full-length mirror to help – ticks will try to hide in unseen areas, such as behind the ears, in the groin, armpits, and between toes
Always check your pets for ticks when they come in from the outdoors

What if you find that you have been bitten by a deer tick?

If you find a tick attached after a day out, follow proper tick removal instructions, save the tick, and mark the date on your calendar when the bite occurred. Then, be mindful of potential tick-borne illness symptoms, like:

Lyme disease bullseye rash — Bullseye rash after tick bite

Fever/chills
Aches and pains – headache, muscle aches, joint pain
Rashes – like Rocky Mountain spotted fever rash, or the bullseye rash associated with Lyme disease

See Additional Tick Bite Information Here >> Is your tick bite infected?

At-home tick control in Central Mass

Not only is it important to protect yourself outdoors while you are away from Central Mass home, but it is imperative to hire a tick control company to protect your family at home. A reputable Central MA tick control company will offer an EPA-registered treatment for your yard to keep your family safe from the threat of tick bites and tick-borne illnesses for up to three weeks. Prevention is key!

Should you remove a tick with peppermint oil? Do NOT remove a tick with peppermint oil!

Why would we ask this question?

Some fake news is worth reporting and re-reporting. A couple of years ago, a tick removal video spread like wildfire across social media, and for good reason! Essential oils are commonly used for ailments, such as migraines and sleeplessness, and even play a role in all-natural mosquito protection. However, using peppermint oil to remove a tick from your skin is a BIG no-no! This video showed how easily it was to get the tick to back off by applying peppermint oil, but this should not be repeated. This is a situation, where the poster’s heart was probably in the right place, but did not realize the harm this viral video could do.

This tick removal video is dangerous business, but why?

First of all, it is believed that this tick was not actually attached, and could be a male tick. Male ticks do not attach themselves to hosts. Their main goal in life is to find a female to mate with. Female ticks attach to hosts, and spread tick-borne illnesses, such as Lyme disease, with their saliva. Had this been a female tick, which was attached for her blood meal, applying peppermint oil could have created a situation where she produced and injected more saliva to the person. Very dangerous business!

How should a tick be removed properly?

Removing ticks is a fairly unscientific process, but should be followed carefully for proper removal, as to not leave the head or other mouth parts in your skin.

Use pointed-tip tweezers, so you can position the tool at the proper 90-degree angle in which the tick should be removed. Get a firm hold of the tick, very close to the skin. Use a steady, fluid motion for removal – DO NOT pull quickly or jerk, as doing so could likely leave behind tick parts under your skin.

Central Mass ticks – what do you do after tick removal?

Blood tests might reveal tick-borne illness following tick removal.

With the prevalence of Lyme disease in Central Mass, it is essential that once you properly remove a tick, that you put the tick in a sealed container, such as a plastic bag or old prescription bottle. Save the tick and observe yourself for signs of infection for at least 30 days. Sealing and saving the tick will allow for further disease testing to be done if you show signs of tick-borne illness. If you feel ill for any reason, please see a doctor, and let them know that you recently removed a tick from your skin.

Central Mass tick control is essential for your family.

I urge all Central Mass residents to be vigilant in their tick protection methods. Please consider protecting your home and family from the threat of tick-borne diseases by preventing ticks from reaching them. Call on a professional tick protection company, who will use a barrier protection spray for your property. These EPA-registered tick control sprays are administered every three weeks or so. They will knock down ticks on contact, and continue eliminating them with a special time-released tick protection formula.

Ticks are much like Game of Thrones’ Night King!

Ticks are no good for ANYONE. They prey on our families, our pets, and even our livestock. Will you be stuck trying to remove a tick from yourself or a loved one this year, and hope that said tick has not left devastation behind?

As we inch towards the series finale of Game of Thrones, I started thinking about how I might compare Central Mass ticks to the once-feared, mysterious Night King. Here are some comparisons between the two!

Central Mass ticks and the Night King are u-g-l-y, and they ain’t got no alibi!

Most obvious of all, the Night King is hideous and scary looking. The same can be said of ticks! Not only are ticks gross on the outside, but they have a mouthful of hooks that allow them to DIG IN to your flesh, and borrow!

Your sacrifice is required for their reproduction, just like the Night King built his army of Wights!

Female ticks take a few blood meals during their life cycle. They require their last blood meal in order to reproduce, and create more blood-sucking, disease spreading ticks! In search of their blood meal, they will latch on to your flesh, sink their hooks in you, and can transfer very harmful diseases, like Lyme disease.

Tick bites are your blood sacrifice!
Your sacrifice could be Lyme disease!

Central Mass ticks can survive the winter, just like the Night King!

Contrary to popular belief, ticks do not die in winter. Reputable Central Massachusetts tick prevention professionals have solutions, such as tick tubes, which will continue to eliminate ticks “out of season” and control the tick population in your yard during the next spring and summer!

Do ticks survive winter? — Like the Night King, Central Mass ticks easily survive winter!

Don’t say, “Dracarys!” Fire will not help you remove a tick – just like dragonfire won’t kill the Night King!

You do NOT want to burn ticks to get them out of your skin. Never put yourself, your loved one, or your pet in harm’s way by trying to burn a tick to remove it. This cannot end well! How should your remove a tick?

Steel vanquished the Night King, and will help you vanquish your tick!

Tweezer tick removal — Proper tick removal requires tweezers.

Valyrian steel not required! For that matter, please not your most effective weapon will not be a dagger. All you need is a nice pair of tweezers to remove and dispose of your tick.

My goal is always to inform you about the dangers of ticks in Central Mass. The best way to control them, and to keep your family safe, is to prevent them in the first place. As they say, “An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.”

Can ticks climb up the toilet?

If you flush a tick down your toilet you can consider it gone. Dead? Not necessarily, but it is for all intents and purposes gone from your home for good.

I have heard and read about people who wondered and/or were worried about ticks holding their breath for days and days as they swim back up your pipes and climb up your slippery porcelain bowl and latch right on for a blood meal. So, I searched and searched and searched and could find no instance of ticks crawling back up the toilet once flushed, or up the toilet on their own accord. Since we could not find reliable evidence of this actually happening we dug a little deeper and here is what we found:

Ticks cannot swim or hold their breath.

According to tick encounter, ticks definitely do not swim. However, they have observed ticks submerged in water for 2-3 days that still lived, but there has been no formal research on whether they can actually hold their breath.

Since they do NOT swim, they can’t swim up your drain and climb out if you have indeed flushed them down. If you decide to flush them, just make sure they actually go in the water and down the hole. It is important to note that when ticks latch on to a host they typically climb up looking for a nice warm hiding spot to latch onto for their blood meal. It is understandable to assume up is the direction they would crawl if they did happen to land on the porcelain and not go down the pipes. That is if the porcelain is not too slippery.

While I don’t want to be accused of defending ticks, it is important to clear up myths and misinformation about our buddy the tick. So I would like to classify the “tick climbing out of the toilet” story as an urban legend.

I would also like to note that putting a tick into a sealed container with a cotton ball soaked in alcohol is a great way to hang on to a tick for further testing should symptoms of a tick-borne illness present themselves.

What CAN climb up the toilet?

During my research I found some things that absolutely can find their way into your pipes and climb right up and out of your toilet. Water loving amphibious creatures like frogs, lizards, and snakes have been known to find their way up toilet pipes. It was also surprising to read headlines of a baby opossum and a squirrel ending up in the porcelain throne, which I am confident fall under the category of rare and “oops I crawled in the wrong hiding spot”. But the big winner is rats. Rats are the most common thing crawling around in the sewer pipes. What is the strangest thing you’ve seen in your Central Massachusetts commode?

Reduce the likelihood of an up-close and personal tick encounter with Merrimack tick control.

It doesn’t take much more than a phone call to your trusted tick control professionals to reduce you chances of seeing a tick around your home. A little tick protection goes a long way in preventing tick-borne illnesses.