Woburn MA Tick Control for Lyme Prevention

Ticks really suck. Both literally and figuratively. Living in Massachusetts, you likely know that Lyme disease is rampant here. But there’s another, much worse tick-transmitted disease on the rise, Powassan virus.

While it is rare, it’s often fatal, and CDC reports that between 2007-2016, there were 16 cases of Powassan in Massachusetts. In fact, the CDC recently in May 2018 that diseases from both ticks and mosquitoes have more than tripled since 2004, and that rate is steadily increasing. In this report, the CDC also quite frankly states that about 80% of vector control organizations lack critical prevention and control capabilities.

Woburn MA tick control

Fortunately, reputable tick control companies pick up the slack where the government falls behind, and with a barrier treatment, you’re protected from both mosquitoes and ticks in your yard by nearly 90% for up to 21 days at a time — guaranteed. But if it’s specific protection from ticks that you’re looking for, professional Woburn tick control goes above and beyond the standard barrier treatment to make sure ticks in every stage of life are eliminated. By enlisting the help of furry friends.

How Woburn MA tick control works

Just like a professional mosquito barrier treatment, tick control specialists treat the perimeter of your yard first with a traditional barrier spray, working from the perimeter of your yard inward, being sure to cover all surface areas, including pieces where ticks like to hang out, like tall grass, leaf piles, wood piles, and generally anywhere they’d be likely to hitch a ride on any unsuspecting host walking by. A barrier treatment alone will eliminate nearly 90% of adult ticks on contact and continue to eliminate them for up to three weeks, but then your tick control technician will go a step further to make sure ticks in their younger life stages are eliminated, too.

tick control Woburn MA

Enter tick tubes for year-round tick control

tick tubes Woburn MA These are small, biodegradable tubes that are stuffed with cotton treated with permethrin, a mild insecticide. Contrary to their name, “deer ticks,” the ones primarily responsible for Lyme disease, don’t feed off deer most of the time. In their larval and nymph stages, most deer ticks actually get their blood meal from small mammals in your yard, specifically mice, squirrels, and rabbits. These critters love to take the cotton back to their nests to make them nice and cozy, and when they do so, the permethrin rubs off on their fur. Not to worry — it’s harmless to them, but to ticks it’s fatal. When a young tick tries to take a bite out of one of these small animals, they get exposed to the chemical and die off.

By implementing tick tubes, you’re both halting the life cycle of the tick population in your yard and giving the critters some insulation for their homes. And for you — it gives you the peace of mind knowing that the chances of you getting infected with a tick-borne disease in your yard are reduced drastically. This professional method of Woburn tick control is nearly 90% effective for up to 21 days, making it the best on the market.

Prefer something a little “greener” for your Woburn tick control?

all natural tick control Reputable tick control products are EPA-registered, but I understand that there are some people who won’t settle for anything less than 100% natural. That’s why tick control companies have developed an all-natural barrier treatment solution that is based on essential oils and mixed in-house. It is applied to your yard the same way as a traditional barrier treatment — with a special mist-blower backpack.

Like the traditional formula, an all-natural solution eliminates bugs on contact, but after it’s dry (about 30 minutes) it acts like a repellent, essentially confusing and “chasing” the bugs away. It’s a slightly less potent treatment than traditional formulas, but homeowners who elect this method report around 80% reduction of yard pests. Because of its botanical makeup, the all-natural formula breaks down a little faster than the traditional, therefore I recommend re-application every two weeks instead of three.

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

With tick-borne illnesses on the rise in Central Massachusetts, I recommend professional at-home tick control for all families. Whether you choose the traditional tick barrier spray, or an all-natural solution, professional tick control is a must for the health of your family.

Take Sudbury MA Tick Control to the Next Level

Ticks. Just the word can make a person shudder. Especially here in New England, where Lyme disease is more prevalent than anywhere else in the country. In fact, between 2000-2015, Middlesex County had 8,366 confirmed cases of Lyme. It got so bad that in 2015, Lyme disease was officially declared an epidemic in Massachusetts.

Sudbury MA tick control Unfortunately, there are many other scary tick-borne illnesses that we need to watch out for, including Babesiosis of which Midldlesex County was declared a hot spot, and the rare, but fatal Powassan virus, which has been rising in our area.

So what’s a person to do? Nobody wants to see themselves or their loved ones get sick from a tick. The East Middlesex Mosquito Control Project has a bunch of educational material about ticks and the diseases they carry, but who’s going to sit and read through all of that? And if you’re already infected, that information doesn’t do you much good. The bottom line is, while many tick-borne illnesses are curable, the best protection is to avoid them altogether and stop ticks before they get comfortable in your yard and exposed to your family.

That’s where professional Sudbury MA tick control comes in.

Sudbury tick control Not only does professional barrier tick protection help eliminate up to 90% of mosquitoes with a specially formulated barrier treatment, it so happens that the same micro encapsulated solution eliminates up to 90% of adult ticks and fleas on contact, too. It’s pretty powerful stuff, but when it comes to Sudbury MA tick control, and you can go one step further to protect you and your loved ones from these little monsters.

The First Step in Sudbury Tick Control

tick control Sudbury MA Following the barrier treatment process used for mosquito control, your tick control professional will distribute a special bug-eliminating formula to treat surfaces in your yard that include shrubbery, foliage (avoiding flowers), around and underneath decks and patios, and especially tall grass. Special attention is given to the tall grass areas on your property for Sudbury tick control since this is typically where you can find them breeding, resting and waiting for their next blood meal. It’s a top priority to make sure it isn’t you!

Since a professional barrier treatment formula is time released, it eliminates ticks, mosquitoes, and other creepy-crawlies for three weeks before needing reapplication. This way it also prevents future ticks by stopping their eggs from hatching, which puts a halt to the population cycle.

The Sudbury Tick Control “Bonus Round”

Lyme disease Sudbury This is what I call our “going straight to the source” strategy. Babesiosis, Lyme disease, and other tick-borne illnesses are transmitted by deer ticks and others, and no, not all ticks are carriers. But you don’t really know if you’ve been bitten by an infected tick until it happens and you become ill. Is that a gamble anyone really wants to take?

Enter tick tubes. These are small, biodegrade tubes stuffed with a treated cotton that are strategically placed around your property for mice and other small animals to find and bring back to cozy up their nests and burrows. They love this stuff. When a tick bites one of these animals, it’s eliminated shortly afterwards. This extra, proactive step reputable tick control professionals take helps eliminate the tick population in your yard by up to 90%. By going “straight to the source,” this tactic of Sudbury tick control makes sure they’re gone before they come anywhere near people or pets.

Looking for an All-Natural Tick Control Option?

Sudbury natural tick control While professional tick control products are EPA registered, I know that some people prefer to be as eco-conscious and “green” as possible. That’s why tick control companies have developed special, all-natural barrier treatment formulas, based on essential oils. It acts more like a repellant than an eliminator, basically “chasing” these little buggers out of your yard. Also a time-released formula, I recommend re-treating with an all-natural solution ever two weeks. How effective is it? Pretty darn good. Most customers notice a reduction in yard pests anywhere between 65-80%

No matter if you decide on the ultimate professional barrier tick protection, or an all-natural solution, expert protection is always recommended for your Sudbury MA home and family. Don’t gamble on your family’s health. Choose year-round tick control in Sudbury!

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.

Billerica Tick Control – Protect Your Home and Family in Billerica MA

Living in New England, you’re likely aware that Lyme disease is everywhere here.

It’s such a big problem that in 2015 it was officially declared an epidemic in Massachusetts. But there are many more tick-borne illnesses on the rise in our area, including Babesiosis (of which Middlsex County seems to be a hotspot) and the the rare, but fatal Powassan virus, which CBS Boston has increasingly been reporting on.

Billerica tick control

While not all ticks are infected with and carry scary diseases, do you really want to get bitten by one and take the chance? Even Billerica Wicked Local has been publishing things 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” are well-intentioned, but simply not realistic. The Town of Billerica, while also well-intentioned, doesn’t help their citizens much in the way of tick advice, either. Their “Public Health Nurse” section of their website consists of links to elsewhere and PDF downloads.

Billerica tick control step one: Barrier spray

When it comes down to it, when the weather is nice out, who wants to be bundled up in their own yard? That’s where professional Billerica tick control comes in. It is essential to your whole family’s health that you hire a trusted tick control expert.

Billerica MA tick control

Not only do professional tick control companies help eliminate up to 90% of mosquitoes with a specially formulated barrier treatment, the same formula conveniently eliminates up to 90% of adult ticks and fleas on contact, too. It’s pretty powerful stuff, but when it comes to Billerica tick control, you can go one step further to protect you and your loved ones from ticks and tick-borne illnesses.

Following the same barrier treatment process used for mosquito control, your tick control expert will distribute a special bug-eliminating formula to treat surfaces in your yard that include shrubbery, foliage (avoiding flowers), around and underneath decks and patios, and especially tall grass. Special attention is given to the tall grass areas on your property for Billerica tick control since this is typically where you can find them breeding, resting and waiting for their next blood meal. It’s your tick control professional’s job to make sure it’s not you!

Since special barrier spray formulas are designed to be time released, your property will be protected for three weeks once the treatment is dispersed. 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. For continuous, worry-free tick and mosquito control in on your property, choose a seasonal plan so you won’t have to worry about rescheduling. You don’t even need to be home when your tick control technicians visit, and they’ll always leave a confirmation of service before we leave.

But Billerica tick control doesn’t stop there.

Step two in Billerica tick control: Going straight to the source

lyme disease billerica Lyme Disease and other tick-born illnesses caused by bacteria transmitted most often by the deer tick, but other ticks carry disease, too. Not every tick is a carrier of bad pathogens, but it’s best to err on the safe side. Ticks become infected when they feed on small animals, usually mice, that are infected. By going straight to the source through the implementation of tick tubes, you will be able to stop the cycle of disease where it would normally start. That way, you’re eliminating ticks before they come anywhere near people and pets.

What’s a tick tube? Well, it’s a small tube with biodegradable tubing that’s filled with cotton treated with a solution fatal to ticks. Tubes are strategically placed around your property, and mice and other small animals find them and bring the cotton back to their burrows to make them nice and cozy. When a hungry tick bites and feeds off one of these small animals, it’s gone from this world and one fewer tick to worry about potentially causing anyone damage. These Billerica tick control tubes are a proactive measure that reputable tick control companies take, and help reduce up to 90% of tick populations before they’re able to multiply.

Prefer an all-natural tick control alternative?

natural tick control billerica Not a problem. Reputable tick control companies also offer an all-natural barrier treatment. Professional tick control products are EPA registered, but I understand there are some people who want to be as eco-friendly as possible. Tick control experts have developed all-natural forumlas with essential oils and a few secret ingredients for those who prefer to go this route. While it’s more of a repellant than an eliminator, an all-natural 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 time released, I highly recommend reapplication every two weeks instead of the three that a traditional barrier spray would need.

Acton Tick Control is a Job for the Pros

Ticks are no joke.

Though tiny, those little critters can have some serious impact if an infected one bites you or your loved ones, whether they have two logs or four.

Acton tick control If you live here, you likely know that Lyme disease is a big problem all over New England. According to Acton Wicked Local, there were there were 4500 cases of Lyme disease in Massachusetts in 2016 alone.

But that’s not the only one — there are many other tick-borne illnesses we need to watch out for, including Babseiosis, which is more concentrated in Middlesex County than anywhere else in the state.

While Acton is a part of the Middlesex Tick Task Force, that basically tells you what to do after you get bitten by a tick. And that same Wicked Local article says that public health officials claim “A little bit of vigilance, and some bug spray, can go a long way in reducing the health risks associated with ticks.” That’s a nice sentiment, but it takes more than “vigilance and bug spray” to prevent tick-borne illnesses.

Wouldn’t you rather just avoid these little monsters all together?

That’s when you call a professional Acton tick control company.

Acton tick control should be taken seriously, because these little suckers are nothing to mess around with.

As it happens, the same specially formulated barrier spray treatment that is used for mosquitoes also eliminates adult ticks and fleas by up to 90%. But with ticks, professionals take it one step further to protect people and pets from tick and tick-borne diseases.

Acton Tick Control: Step One

tick control Acton MA The first thing a reputable tick control company will do for Acton tick control is treat the perimeter of your yard and work inward, just like a traditional barrier treatment. Making sure to treat all the foliage while avoiding flowers, plus surfaces around and underneath patios and decks. But for the ticks, extra attention is given to the tall grassy areas, because that’s where they usually hang out — breeding, resting, and well, waiting for dinner. You don’t want it to be you!

Since a barrier treatment formula is time released, it eliminates ticks, mosquitoes, and other creepy-crawlies for three weeks before needing reapplication. This way it also prevents future ticks by stopping their eggs from hatching, which puts a halt to the next generation,

Acton Tick Control: Step Two

Lyme disease Acton Lyme Disease and other tick born illnesses are caused by bacteria transmitted most often by the deer tick, but other ticks are carriers, too. Of course, not all ticks are carriers of dangerous pathogens, but it’s best to err on the safe side. Ticks become infected when they feed on small animals, such as mice, that are infected. By going straight to the source through the implementation of tick tubes, you are able to stop the cycle of disease where it would normally start.

Tick tubes are small, biodegradable tubes strategically placed around your yard. They are stuffed with a treated cotton that entice mice to bring back to their nests. When a tick bites one of these mice, it is eliminated shortly afterward. This extra, proactive step is offered by your tick control professionals for Acton tick control, helping eliminate the tick population in your yard by up to 90%. This method gets rid of ticks way before they come anywhere near you or your loved ones.

All-Natural Tick Control Solution

Acton MA tick control Professional tick control products are EPA registered, but if you consider yourself a little more “crunchy” and prefer an all-natural solution, they are available. An all-natural formula with essential oils at its base, repels rather than eliminates, yard pests. Most folks notice a reduction in yard pests between 65-80% using this method. Also time-released, I recommend reapplying this formula after two weeks.

Ticks are no joke. They should be taken very seriously for the health of your family. I recommend professional year-round tick control for your Acton MA home.

Powassan is on the rise in Massachusetts

I often write about Lyme disease, the most widely-known tick-borne illness. Central Mass residents also face another serious threat. Potentially deadly, Powassan is on the rise in Massachusetts.

The CDC reports that Massachusetts had 22 confirmed cases of Powassan virus from 2009-2018, third highest in the nation. Only Minnesota and Wisconsin had higher reported cases in that time span. In August, another Powassan case was reported in Massachusetts. Neighboring Connecticut has had four confirmed cases of Powassan so far in 2019. The most recent was October 11.

Powassan is on the rise in Massachusetts — *Deer ticks are responsible for the spread of Powassan in Massachusetts.*

How is Powassan spread?

The black-legged tick, also known as the deer tick, spreads Powassan. Deer ticks feed on the blood of mice and birds, and even our cats and dogs. This makes Powassan virus a true threat to our pets, as well as our human family members. It is reported that mice can even carry infected ticks into our homes. We must remain vigilant, even in the cool autumn weather, in keeping our tick control treatments going. Your family’s health could depend on it!

pets can get Powassan — *Tick control in the fall will continue to help protect your whole family from the threat of Powassan.*

What are symptoms of Powassan? Are there treatments?

Symptoms of Powassan can take on those of encephalitis or meningitis – brain or spinal cord infections. If you have found a tick on your skin or clothing, or on your pets, and begin to see symptoms of lethargy, headache, fever, confusion, or seizures, seek medical help immediate. There is no treatment for Powassan. Patients typically require respiratory assistance, and treatment for infection of the brain or spinal cord. There is no vaccine to prevent Powassan. Approximately 10% of those infected will die of the disease.

Powassan virus threat in Massachusetts — *Powassan infected ticks can be lurking in leaf piles, wooded areas, or questing in your lawn or landscaping plants.*

What tick control and prevention measures should you take to prevent Powassan?

Powassan in Massachusetts If you are going to be outdoors, wear long sleeves and pants in light colors, so you can spot a tick easily if it gets onto your clothing. Use personal tick protection measures – repellents with DEET or permethrin are essential if you are hunting, hiking, performing yard work, or other outdoor activities we love in the fall, such as attending or hosting bonfires. Ticks are still lurking, ready to latch on for their blood meals.

Continued tick control in Central Mass

As I mentioned before, now is not the time to halt the tick control efforts around your home. Even though fall has brought cool temps, it has not eliminated the tick population. Nor are they becoming dormant, as they do in the winter. Tick control around your Central Mass home should continue until the immediate threat is gone – when temps fall consistently below 45°F.

tick control Central Mass Once ticks become dormant, yard sprays are not essential, but it is wise for Central Massachusetts residents to employ additional tick control with tick tubes. Tick tubes are placed around your property, and are filled with cotton that has been coated with insecticide. Mice will use the treated cotton to build their nests. While the insecticide doesn’t hurt the mice, it will eliminate ticks that try to feed on them – or ticks that are lying dormant in their nests. Tick tubes can greatly reduce the ticks in your yard next spring by breaking their life cycle.

Deer tick fully attaches to man’s eyeball!

Wow! Can ticks really do that?

Just when I thought that I had seen it all when it comes to ticks, I come across a post like this one. Though, Healthline.com states that ticks commonly attach and embed themselves on the groin, behind the knee, under the arm, inside the ear or bellybutton, or in the hair, it looks like this gentleman stumbled upon new tick frontiers when one attached and embedded itself to his eyeball.

Outdoor workers are very susceptible to tick invasions.

small ticks — Small nymph ticks are hard to identify with the naked eye!

Even this vigilant serviceman in Paintsville Lake, Kentucky, who practices proper tick protection while at work, was the perfect tick target! This tiny tick, purported to be no larger than the tip of a writing pen, made its mischievous way right into his eye. He, of course, noticed that something was in his eye. After repeated attempts to rinse out what he thought was some sort of debris, the barely-visible speck was not budging and so painful that he had to seek medical attention. The photos we see in the post are from the eye doctor. Even magnified, this poppy seed-sized tick is difficult to identify!

What can outdoor workers do for personal tick protection?

It is always recommended that those, who work outdoors, practice personal tick safety. Using a repellent, such as DEET or permethrin on your clothing. Wear long sleeves – the less exposed skin, the better! Keep long hair pulled back, and be sure to check for ticks throughout the day, which might be hiding on your body. Per this recent tick eyeball invasion, safety glasses are a great idea whenever possible, even if not required for outdoor workers!

What if you bring home a tick anyway? Read about Central Mass tick removal and testing.

As always, I urge all Central Mass residents to take advantage of professional tick control and protection for their home. Keep your family and pets safe from the threat of ticks by eliminating up to 95% of ticks on your property with an EPA-registered tick control spray.

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!

Climate change, the prevalence of Lyme, and nature’s ally in Lyme prevention.

I recently wrote about how opossums are an important part of tick prevention – nature’s not-so-cute ally in tick-borne illness avoidance. Opossums are more essential than ever before, but why?

tick population is spreading and ticks are living longer — *Engorged tick after a blood meal*

According to the CDC and Quest Diagnostics, tick prevalence has reached higher levels than ever, and they are attributing it to climate change. It is believed that higher temperatures are creating the “perfect storm” for the spread of tick populations. It is believed that ticks are living longer and spreading to areas in the United States, which they have previously not inhabited. If you ask me, opossums have their work cut out for them in Lyme prevention!

Where is Lyme disease most prevalent, and where is it notably increasing?

Tick-borne illnesses used to be concentrated mainly in the Northeast United States and upper Midwest. All 50 states and the District of Columbia now have reports of tick-borne disease. In 2017, Quest Diagnostics reports that 61% of Lyme cases were in Massachusetts, Connecticut, Maine, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, and Vermont. Though, notable increases were seen from 2015 to 2017 in Georgia, Arizona, Ohio, Texas, Tennessee, and Virginia.

prevalence of Lyme in the U.S. - Lyme prevention — *Lyme trends across the U.S.*

Nature’s little exterminator eliminates garden pests, worms, slugs, and disease spreading ticks – talk about natural Lyme prevention!

opossums are important for tick control and Lyme prevention in Central Mass — *Don’t harm opossums – let them do their job eliminating ticks from your property*.

I write about tick control and Lyme awareness, because it’s THAT IMPORTANT to Central Mass residents. Our state is among those with the most reported cases of Lyme and other tick-borne illnesses. It is just as important that we spread the word of the importance of the opossum’s role in tick prevention.

Many of us see them as nasty rodent-like nuisances, but they are tick magnets! Ticks love to attach themselves to opossums, and opossums are big-time groomers. They can have up to 200 ticks on them at one time, attempting to attach for a blood meal. Opossums will effectively eat most of the ticks before they attach. Opossums prevent ticks in two ways. First, ticks are attracted to them, and try to infest them. Secondly, opossums devour the offending ticks. We need not attempt to eliminate opossums from our yards – shew them away if you see them, but do not harm them!

nature's tick protection — *Mother opossums carry their babies while foraging for food – tick exterminators in training!*

Plus, it could be argued that opossums are actually pretty adorable!

As always, I hope that you have considered the importance of tick control for your Central Mass home and family. There are EPA-registered and all-natural tick control methods available in our area, which will eliminate up to 95% of the tick population around your home for up to three weeks between treatments!

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.”