How will COVID-19 restrictions affect tick-borne illnesses in 2020?

Massachusetts remains under strict COVID-19 restrictions through May 18. Will this help or hinder the fight against tick-borne illnesses in 2020?

That is precisely the question being asked by researchers from the University of Rhode Island, Hollins University, Duke University, Clemson University, and the University of Georgia. Residents across the United States have been under stay-at-home orders, which are just now beginning to phase out. Researchers theorize that since we have been unable to engage in social interaction, we are seeking adventure outdoors, where we will encounter more ticks and tick-born illnesses in 2020.

covid 19 restrictions affect tick-borne illesses

This theory is supported by the University of Rhode Island’s Tick Encounters team via TickSpotters, their crowdsource tick survey, which allows U.S. residents to submit photos of found ticks. During COVID-19 restrictions, photo submissions of attached and engorged ticks have risen exponentially. Tom Mather, University of Rhode Island Professor of Public Health Entomology, says this highlights the immediate need for essential tick prevention education. As folks begin to explore outdoor spaces, they might not be aware of the dangers of encountering ticks. Therefore, more people and their pets are finding themselves victims of tick bites.

hiking cause more tick encounters

Michael Yabsley, of the University of Georgia, is leading a research study entitled, “Investigating COVID-19 impacts on the epidemiology of tick-borne diseases in people and pets.” Currently, survey submissions are mostly from the southern United States, and more data is being requested from residents in New England.

Central Mass residents can take the survey here.

It stands to reason that this study will reveal a higher amount of tick-borne illnesses in the U.S. during the COVID-19 crisis. While the medical community works to control, cure, and prevent the spread of COVID-19, we must remember that tick-borne illnesses have been an ongoing battle in Central Mass for decades.

Central Mass tick control is always essential.

The best way to fight tick-borne illnesses in Central Mass is with essential tick control. Hire a reputable tick control company to spray areas around your home and yard to eliminate ticks. Now is the time to begin. We have been spending more time at home than ever, and our yards have become our private escapes. If you are spending more time outdoors, be sure that you are protected from ticks and the threat of the diseases they carry.

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

Winter ticks, a moose of a problem

Winter ticks are invading the Vermont moose population at higher rates than ever, wreaking havoc.

Our neighbors to the north are facing a difficult decision about controlling the winter tick population and their effect on the Vermont moose population. In northern Vermont, Fish and Wildlife officials say that there is one moose per square mile. This higher moose population has drastically increased the population of winter ticks.

About winter ticks – Dermacentor albipictus

Winter ticks are not vectors for serious disease, but that doesn’t mean they are not deadly. Winter ticks hatch in the fall, and begin questing for their host. In Vermont, their main host is the moose. Once they attach for their blood meal, they remain on the host through the nymph and adult stages. As adults, they mate. The females drop the ground to lay their eggs at the end of winter, and then die. The issue is, the amount of ticks that are attaching to the moose population is enormous. Less than half of new moose calves are surviving, due to blood loss, and birth rates have fallen. One adult moose was found to host 9,000 winter ticks!

The solution to the winter tick overpopulation

Vermont wildlife officials have passed a 2020, any-sex moose hunt to eliminate 33 adult moose, thereby eliminating large hosts, on which winter ticks can thrive. It is believed that by decreasing the adult moose population, the winter tick life cycle will be halted for many ticks. The hunt will take place in October 2020. Nick Fortin, Vermont Fish and Wildlife biologist, says, “Without intervention to reduce the moose population, high tick loads will continue to impact the health of moose in that region for many years.”

Central Mass tick control

As always, in Central Massachusetts, choose at-home tick control for the health and happiness of your family.

Have peace of mind with professional Marlborough MA tick control

There is absolutely NOTHING good about ticks. They’re gross little creepy-crawly bloodsucking bugs that have the potential to transmit some seriously scary diseases, including Lyme disease which, as you probably know, is all over the Northeast.

Actually, it’s so bad here that Massachusetts officially declared it an epidemic in 2005. Last year, ticks were so bad that Boston 25 News called it a “tick explosion.” There are other terrible tick-borne diseases here, though, that aren’t Lyme. Things like Babesiosis, that is dangerous to both humans and dogs, and the very scary Powassan virus, which is on the rise.

marlborough ma tick control

In fact, in May 2018 the CDC released a report stating that diseases from mosquitoes and ticks have more than tripled in the United States since 2004, and unfortunately that rate does not appear to be slowing down. Further, the CDC also outright states that 80% of government vector-control organizations are not prepared to deal with this new onslaught of vector-borne diseases. All one has to do is go to the City of Marlborough’s website and do a search for “ticks” and it’ll yield little more than a PDF document, and Mass.gov just offers basic info, which is informational, but on the whole, not proactive in protecting you or your family.

Fortunately, reputable mosquito control professionals pick up the slack where the government falls behind, and with a barrier treatment spray, you’re protected from both mosquitoes and ticks in your yard by nearly 90% for up to 21 days at a time. But if it’s specifically tick protection that you’re looking for, professional Marlborough MA tick control goes above and beyond the standard barrier treatment to make sure ticks in every stage of life are eliminated. Your tick control company will take a two step approach, and enlist the help of some furry friends.

Step one in professional Marlborough MA tick control

Beginning with the same process as a traditional mosquito barrier treatment, treating the perimeter of your yard with an EPA-registered formula on all surfaces except flowers, and work their way inward. They treat bushes, trees, the undersides of leaves, woodpiles, on and under decks . . . basically everywhere. If you have any tall, grassy areas in your yard, they’ll give those special attention, because that’s prime tick territory. It’s where they’re most likely to be found, resting, breeding, and waiting to hitch a ride on their next blood meal. It’s your tick control expert’s job to make sure that’s not you or your loved ones, two legs or four.

Since barrier spray formulas are micro encapsulated and therefore time-released, you’ll be protected from ticks (and mosquitoes, and other biting bugs) for up to 21 days. And since it adheres to everything it’s applied to, it prevents existing tick eggs from hatching, thus stopping the life cycle. Just like a mosquito barrier treatment, recommended reapplication is every three weeks for maximum efficiency.

But then there’s the “the bonus round.”

Phase Two of great Marlborough MA tick control — a.k.a. “the bonus round”

tick control marlborough If you do your research online, you’ll find that other outdoor pest control companies stop at a spray when it comes to ticks. Reputable tick control companies take it a step further and use the help of the common field mouse, who is a cute, innocent, and very stealthy “helper” in the fight against ticks. Contrary to their name, “deer ticks” actually pick up things like Lyme disease not from deer, but most often from mice, bunnies, and other small critters who call your and your neighbors’ yards home. This usually happens when ticks are in their larva or nymph stage of life. So tick control technicians will strategically place these small, biodegradable tubes called “tick tubes” in places they frequent.

Tick tubes are stuffed with cotton that is treated with a mild insecticide called permethrin, which is harmless to the small animals but lethal to ticks. The idea is (and this works impressively well) that the mice or other small mammal finds this cotton and bring it back to their nest to cozy it up. In doing so, the permethrin rubs off on their fur, and when a young tick attempts to get its blood meal from one of these animals, it encounters the chemical and is eliminated shortly thereafter. This “straight to the source” approach allows tick control professionals to get rid of ticks in all stages of life and thus, halt their life cycle in your yard, ensuring 90% or more tick elimination overall.

If you prefer to stay as “green” as possible. . .

all natural marlborough ma tick control Tick control professionals also offer an all-natural solution. While all reputable tick control companies’ products are EPA-registered, there are some people that won’t settle for anything less than 100% “green.” That’s why Marlborough MA tick control professionals also offer an all-natural barrier treatment solution for your unwanted pests.

Based on natural oils, this more “crunchy” approach focuses more on repelling these little nuisances than eliminating them. It’s not quite as effective as a traditional mosquito and tick control solution, but it’s pretty darn close — most homeowners notice a reduction in yard pests between 65-80%. Also time-released, this application is recommended to be repeated every two weeks, instead of the traditional three.

What do ticks look like? Can they swim?

Ticks are common in Central Mass, and most of our residents have come in contact with one at one time or another.

In many ways, ticks elude us. What do ticks look like? Do ticks have wings? Can ticks swim? Even though ticks are rampant in our area, many of us still have questions about tick habits and physical traits. Folks still wonder if they fly. How they survive winter. Here is a common list of tick questions and answers.

what do ticks look like?

What do ticks look like?

Ticks are arachnids, just like spiders. This means they have four sets of legs. They are in the sub class Acari, along with mites. Their coloring can range from light gray-ish white, brown, black, yellow, and brownish-red. Ticks are a flat, oval shape when not engorged with a tasty blood meal.

How big are ticks?

Ticks have three distinct life stages throughout their two-year life cycle. Larvae ticks are very small, and can be unnoticeable. In this stage of life, they are about the size of a grain of sand. In their next stage of life, nymph ticks have grown to the size of a sesame seed. Adult ticks are similar in size to an apple seed.

Do ticks have wings?

Ticks do not have wings. They do not fly or jump. Ticks quest by attaching themselves to plants or limbs. They hold on to leaves and grass with two sets of their legs, and outstretch their other legs awaiting a host to pass. If you are wondering how ticks cover so much territory, it is because they are transported by their hosts – animals and humans. The sheer number of ticks in Central Mass might make it seem like they are fast travelers. This is untrue without a host. Ticks are just – everywhere!

Can ticks swim?

This is an interesting question, and a common one! While ticks do not swim, they can survive submerged in water for two to three days. Do not try to kill ticks by drowning them in the bathtub or swimming pool. The only surefire method of destroying a tick in water, is by flushing them down the toilet.

Also read: What repels ticks naturally?

Do ticks die in the winter?

Do ticks die in the winter? No, they do not! Even in cold Central Mass winter temperatures, ticks are resourceful and will survive in nests of other animals or even underground. Ticks will lie dormant in winter, waiting for warm weather to return, so they can invade our favorite outdoor spaces.

Can a tick bite kill you?

Tick bites can result in illnesses, such as Lyme disease, and Rocky Mountain spotted fever, which can make us very sick. Powassan virus is another tick-borne illness, which can cause a deadly brain infection. Even people, who have lived through Powassan can remain ill, or even die from the effects. Recently in North Carolina, former US Senator, Kay Hagan, died three years after contracting Powassan, which resulted in Encephalitis. She remained ill for three years before passing away.

Ticks are not just a nasty nuisance in Central Massachusetts. They are effective questing insects, who live for their next blood meal. The single best way to protect your family is with year-round Central Mass tick protection, which includes tick tubes in the winter.

Burlington Tick Control – Burlington Massachusetts

When many people hear the word “tick,” they automatically think of Lyme disease, and with good reason — it’s the most well-known tick-borne illness, and all over New England and the rest of the Northeast.

But ticks transmit more than just Lyme disease, that one’s just the “most popular.” Serious tick-borne illnesses also include Babesiosis, Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever, and the rare, but fatal Powassan virus, to name a few. Nobody wants to see themselves or any of their loved ones deal with a tick-borne illness, and nobody wants to deal with ticks. Well, almost nobody. Consider professional tick protection for your Burlington MA tick control.

While not all ticks are carriers of disease, do you really want you or someone you love get bitten by one and take a chance? Even Burlington Wicked Local wrote about how officials are urging people to be more vigilant about ticks, but their suggestions of “using tick and mosquito repellent, wearing long sleeves and long pants outdoors, and performing periodic checks for ticks on your body” just aren’t realistic. When the weather is nice out, who wants to be bundled up in their own yard?

Burlington tick control - Burlington Massachusetts

There is an easier way enjoy your own yard without worrying about ticks and the potential diseases they carry, and that’s with a reputable tick control company. As it turns out, the same barrier spray treatment that they use for mosquito control also eliminates adult ticks and fleas. A barrier tick control treatment is extremely effective and can eliminate up to 95% of adult ticks on contact, but mosquito professionals take it a step further with a two-pronged approach to Burlington MA tick control, making sure they’re eliminated at the source before they come anywhere near you or your family.

How Burlington Tick Control Works, Step One:

tick control Burlington Massachusetts The first thing your mosquito control professional does is follow the same barrier spray treatment process that they do for mosquitoes, applying a micro encapsulated, time-released formula to all areas of your yard (aside from flowers), including foliage, bushes, trees, under leaves, on and under porches and decks, woodpiles, etc. They give a lot more attention to the tall grassy areas of your property (if there are any), because that’s where ticks like to hang out and rest, breed, and wait for their dinner . . . it’s their job to make sure it’s not you.

Since professional formulas are designed to be time released, your property will be protected for up to 21 days once the treatment is disbursed. This barrier treatment has the added benefit of preventing the eggs of ticks from hatching and thus puts a stop to the next generation of these pests. I suggest treating your property every 3 weeks for season-long protection, and take advantage of seasonal packages to make sure you’re covered all season-long.

Step Two — Going “Straight to the Source”

Burlington MA tick control Lyme disease and other tick-vectored illnesses are most often transmitted by the deer tick, but other ticks are carriers, too. Obviously, not all ticks are carriers of scary pathogens, but it’s best to be on the safe side. Ticks become infected when they feed on small animals (usually mice) that are infected. By going straight to the source and implementing tick tubes, we’re able to eliminate ticks before they even come near people or pets.

Tick tubes are small biodegradable tubes that are stuffed with a treated cotton that mice love to bring back to their burrows. When ticks decide to attack one of those mice, they’re eliminated shortly afterward. Mosquito control professionals are very strategic on where we place these tick tubes to ensure maximum mice-enticement and efficiency. By taking this extra, proactive step in your Burlington MA tick control, a reduction in your yard’s tick population by up to 90%, before they’re able to mulitply, is assured.

Prefer an all-natural alternative to your Burlington tick control?

all natural Burlington tick control That’s an option too. Professional mosquito control products are EPA-registered, but there are some people who want to be as “green” as can be, so there are essential-oil based, all-natural barrier treatment solutions. While it’s more of a repellent than an eliminator, this formula is still highly effective — most homeowners notice a reduction in mosquitoes, ticks, and other yard pests by up to 80% using this method. Also a time-released solution, professionals recommend reapplication every two weeks as opposed to the three that the traditional barrier spray would need.

Imagine if doctors in Central Mass denied Lyme disease treatment

For years, a debate has been in the forefront of the Australian medical community. Do they have ticks that cause Lyme disease? Are they continuing misdiagnose or refusing to diagnose and treat Lyme disease for those infected in Australia?

Many physicians and those in the medical community in Australia are still acting under the notion that residents cannot contract Lyme disease from domestic species of ticks. Those, who believe it impossible, believe that there are no domestic instances of Lyme disease – that anyone in Australia with Lyme or “Lyme-like” disease, contracted it from a tick bite received outside of Australia. If you ask me, these folks have blinders on, and their citizens are suffering for their beliefs. This story broke to worldwide attention in 2017.

“Perth-based doctor Hugh Derham diagnosed Ms Bool with Lyme disease after sending her blood tests to Australian…

Meanwhile, Rebecca Bool’s health continued to plummet.

Perth resident, Rebecca Bool, suffered a tick bite while vacationing in Kalbarri over the Christmas holiday in 2014. Even though this tick bite produced an immediate bullseye rash, soreness, and loss of bladder control, the doctors she sought medical attention from, dismissed her symptoms as a simple viral infection, and sent her on her way. Lyme was not a consideration.

Lyme disease bullseye rash — Rebecca Bool immediately presented a bullseye rash after her tick bite – doctors did not investigate

Ms. Bool was so sick and distraught after being dismissed as “not sick” or “mentally ill” that she attempted suicide three months after being bitten by a tick. I wish that Lyme disease didn’t exist in Central Mass, but I am glad that there are effective treatments and ongoing research for those infected!

In 2018, The Lyme Disease Association of Australia began a pilot Lyme study, much to the relief of patients like Rebecca Bool.

Thousands of undiagnosed Lyme disease sufferers in Australia are breathing a collective sigh of relief now that steps have been put into motion to begin properly diagnosing and treating Lyme. This effort will save lives, and give those, who have had little hope for their future, a more positive outlook.

Lyme disease study

Essential tick control in Central Mass

As Central Mass residents, we must all be mindful of effective tick control for our homes and families. Even though we have effective Lyme treatments, it’s much better to offer proper tick protection to our families that to treat this horrible disease. Prevention is key!

This is is not science fiction: ravenous, self-cloning tick invading the US

This might sound like a sci-fi summer movie, but it’s real life for US residents now. The Asian longhorned tick is feeding on America’s wildlife and livestock – and it’s the scariest tick you ever heard of!

Warmer wintertime temperatures are allowing ticks to live longer in the United States, and that includes accidentally-imported ticks, such as the Asian self-cloning tick that I have been reading about.

Reputable tick control companies are now offering tick tube programs, which effectively eliminate ticks by-proxy through nesting efforts of mice in the “off season.” Mice will create their nests with cotton that has been treated to kill ticks. The cotton does not hurt the mice, but when a tick bites one of the mice, who have nested with this treated cotton, it receives a lethal dose of the tick control treatment. These extra measures are becoming commonplace measures in the Central Mass fight against these blood-sucking invaders, including the Asian longhorned tick that has us more worried than ever about effective tick protection.

What’s so scary about the Asian longhorned tick?

Not only does this thirsty tick having cloning abilities – females can reproduce without a male – but these tick clone armies are killing livestock by blood loss! A recent report of young bull in Surry County, NC, who was covered with one thousand longhorned ticks, was drained of his blood supply, causing acute anemia (usually associated with hemorrhaging). If this doesn’t scare you, I don’t know what will!

longhorned ticks

This deadly, self-cloning tick was first reported in the United States in 2017, and has since been identified in at least 10 US states, including: North Carolina, Tennessee, Kentucky, Virginia, West Virginia, New York, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Connecticut, Maryland, and Arkansas. It’s likely already in other states too, including Massachusetts, but just has not yet been reported and identified!

Asian longhorned ticks

Longhorned ticks also spread diseases!

Though their cloning abilities and blood-sucking capabilities are the scariest bits about this hungry Asian import, the longhorned tick is known to spread tick-borne illnesses, such as Lyme disease and Rocky Mountain Spotted fever.

The good news is that these thirsty tick-clone armies are eliminated with the same Central Mass tick control treatments used to kill other ticks! I recommend protecting your home and family year-round with professional tick protection measures, including a tick control program! An effective tick control spray can be applied to your property, eliminating ticks on contact, and continuing to work for up to three weeks – killing up to 95% of the ticks in and around your property.

Beach safety for the whole family, including tick protection

Sadly, we see social media posts like this one, recirculating from last year, which alert us of the potential dangers of a seemingly innocent day of fun at the beach with our children and pets. The beach can be a haven – a place of fun, sunshine, and respite…but we must be vigilant in following important safety tips, including those that protect us from tick bites.

Tick protection is essential – protect your kids and pets from ticks at the beach

*Tick protection is essential, even on the beach!*

It’s easy to assume that we won’t encounter ticks at the beach, as there might not be a lot of grass or wooded areas, but that assumption is incorrect. Ticks do live at the beach, carried there by wildlife, and waiting to take their blood meal from an unsuspecting victim.

Protect yourself, your children, and your pets from ticks at the beach by following these tips:

Do not sit among dunes or grassy areas on the beach
Use permethrin on your clothes, DEET on exposed skin
Keep long hair pulled back
Use tick prevention on your pets
Check towels, clothing, yourselves, your children, and your pets from head to toe when you are ready to leave – repeat when you arrive home
Baths and showers for everyone when you get home, including your pet

What do you do if you find a tick? — ***Here’s what to do if you find a tick !***

Beach safety tips for your dog

Pets can have a great day visiting the beach with us, but there are additional dangers that we might face when bringing Fido on a beach day. I want you to be aware that fleas and ticks are not the only hidden dangers on the beach, as the Facebook post above illustrates.

Have a happy and safe day of fun by following these tips:

Bring lots of fresh water, and a big bowl that won’t turn over
Be mindful of not allowing your dog to ingest saltwater during play (i.e. fetching the ball in the water)
Consider a life vest if your dog likes to go into the water
Bring a cooling mat or cooling vest for your dog, especially if they are a short-nosed (Brachycephalic )
Give your dog a thorough check for fleas and ticks when you are ready to go home
Bathe and re-check your dog when you arrive home, to rid his skin of itchy saltwater residue and irritating sand

*Give your dog a bath after the beach – even if he doesn’t enjoy it!*

Did you know that your dog can suffer paralysis from a tick bite?

As always, I am committed to spreading awareness about tick protection, and the prevention of tick-borne illnesses, such as Lyme disease, in Central Mass and beyond. I hope that you and your family have a fun, safe, and tick-free summer this year with professional tick control around your home and yard!

Westford MA Tick Control is a Job for the Professionals

Ticks are gross. Not just gross — these ugly bugs can be very dangerous, as they can carry multiple serious diseases, some being potentially fatal.

Westford tick control — *Ticks are gross and dangerous to your Westford MA family.*

Diseases like Babesiosis, Lyme disease, Rocky Mountain spotted fever, and more. Nobody wants to see themselves or their loved ones deal with a tick-borne illness, and nobody wants to deal with ticks. Well, almost nobody. Consider a tick control specialist for your Westford home and family.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Lyme disease in Massachusetts and all over the Eastern U.S. has reached unprecedented levels in recent years. Middlesex County actually had 779 reported Lyme disease cases in 2016 (the most in the state), an unfortunate distinction nobody wants to brag about. The Town of Westford has some basic information on ticks and what to do if one of them bites you, but wouldn’t you rather avoid them all together?

That’s when you call in the pros.

It just so happens that the same barrier spray treatment used for professional mosquito control also eliminates adult and ticks and fleas. This tick control treatment is wicked effective — it can eliminate up to 95% of ticks on contact. But there is a two-pronged approach that takes tick control to a whole new level, because tick-borne illnesses are no joke and we need to get rid of ticks before they come anywhere near our families.

The Process: How Westford MA Tick Control Works

The first step in a thorough Westford MA tick protection strategy entails spraying a special micro-encapsulated tick control formula around the perimeter of your yard, making sure to get all the shrubbery, foliage (not flowers, though), and surfaces around and underneath patios and decks. But for the ticks, more focus is given than usual around the tall grassy areas, because that’s where ticks usually hang out — breeding, resting, and well, waiting for their next blood meal.

*Time-released tick barrier spray will protect your family for about three weeks.*

A barrier treatment formula is time released, meaning that after mosquitoes and ticks are eliminated on contact, it will keep on doing its job for up to three weeks after it’s disbursed. Because of this, it has the added benefit of preventing tick eggs from hatching and thus stops the next generation of blood-sucking little monsters. I suggest re-treating your property everything three weeks for season-long protection.

Next is the tick control “bonus round”

Lyme Disease and other tick-borne diseases are usually caused by bacteria transmitted by the deer tick (Ixodes scapularis), but there are other ticks and diseases we need to worry about these days as well. While it’s true that not all ticks are carriers of these illnesses, the only way to tell if a tick is a carrier of anything scary is after we’re bitten. (If you do get bitten, please save your tick after safely removing it and send it to UMass Amherst’s tick testing service, especially if you get sick.) Ticks become infected when they feed on mice and other small animals that are infected. By going “straight to the source” and implementing tick tubes, we’re stopping the cycle of disease before it even starts.

*Take your Westford tick protection to the next level with tick tubes!*

Tick tubes are small tubes made of biodegradable material that are filled with cotton treated with a solution that is fatal to ticks. Mice find these and carry some of the cotton underground to build their nests. When a tick bites one of these mice, they’re eliminated shortly after. Tick tubes are an extremely effective proactive measure to take. It can reduce the ticks in your yard by up to 90% because it destroys the tick population before they’re able to multiply.

Prefer an Organic Tick Treatment Approach?

*All-natural Westford MA tick control is available.*

While professional tick control products are EPA-registered, there are also all-natural tick treatment solutions for those of us who prefer to stay as eco-conscious as possible. This barrier spray solution was developed based on essential oils, focuses more on repelling pests than eliminating them. It’s not quite as effective as a vtraditional mosquito and tick control treatment, but it’s still pretty powerful — most customers notice a reduction in yard pests between 65-80%. Also a time-released formula, this all-natural approach lasts for up to two weeks before needing reapplication.