4 Reasons You Should Be Concerned About Tick Prevention

Tick prevention is crucial in Massachusetts for various reasons. The prevalence of these blood-sucking arachnids is much cause for concern.

Massachusetts is home to different species of ticks, some of which can transmit diseases to humans. Here are four compelling reasons why tick prevention is essential in Massachusetts.

Massachusetts tick prevention — Ticks in Massachusetts can be harmful to your health.

1. Lyme Disease

Massachusetts consistently ranks among the states with high reported cases of Lyme disease. This tick-borne illness is caused by the bacterium Borrelia burgdorferi. Deer ticks, also known as black-legged ticks, are common carriers of this bacterium. These ticks thrive in wooded areas and tall grasses, which are prevalent in Massachusetts. Lyme disease can have severe consequences. It can adversely affect the joints, heart, and nervous system if left untreated. Tick prevention measures are the key to preventing Lyme disease. You should use tick repellents and wear protective clothing out in nature. And don’t forget to call in the professionals to treat your property for ticks.

2. Lesser-Known, Emerging Tick-Borne Illnesses

Beyond Lyme disease, Massachusetts faces emerging threats from other tick-borne diseases. The region has witnessed an increase in cases of diseases like babesiosis, anaplasmosis, and Powassan virus. These illnesses are all transmitted by ticks, some of which have only arrived in Massachusetts in recent years.

Babesiosis is caused by microscopic parasites that infect red blood cells. It can result in mild to severe symptoms, particularly in individuals with weakened immune systems.

Anaplasmosis is caused by the bacterium Anaplasma phagocytophilum. It can lead to flu-like symptoms, which if not treated promptly, may cause complications.

Powassan virus, although rare, can have severe consequences, including encephalitis. When Powassan results in encephalitis, the afflicted individual has a 1 in 3 chance of dying. Effective tick prevention measures become crucial to mitigate the risk of these emerging tick-borne diseases.

3. Recreational Opportunities Aplenty

Massachusetts boasts a diverse landscape that attracts outdoor enthusiasts. From hiking trails to coastal areas and parks, the state offers an array of recreational opportunities. However, these environments also provide ideal tick habitats. Those who love outdoor exploits, such as hiking, camping, or gardening, are at an increased risk of tick exposure. Wearing long sleeves, using repellent, and staying on designated paths will help allay that risk.

4. Livestock, Pets At Risk

Tick prevention does not stop with humans. We must also protect our pets and livestock. Ticks can transmit diseases to animals, posing a threat to both pets and livestock. In Massachusetts, where agriculture and pet ownership are significant, proper tick prevention measures are vital. This includes using tick control products recommended by veterinarians, regular grooming to check for ticks, and maintaining a safe environment for pets and livestock. Professional tick control services will augment the aforementioned measures.

Search for tick control near me and choose a trustworthy tick prevention company.

Tick control and prevention are of utmost importance in Massachusetts. Taking proactive measures to prevent tick bites is a shared responsibility that contributes to the well-being of individuals and communities across the state. Professional tick control methods are available for homes and businesses, which offer protection all year in Massachusetts.

How do I know if my dog has Lyme disease?

There are many signs that your dog has Lyme disease — and you need to respond to them accordingly.

Fever, loss of appetite, and swollen joints are common signs that your dog has Lyme disease. If you notice your dog has any of these issues or displays other signs of illness, consult with a veterinarian. When you do, your veterinarian can perform tests to determine if your pet is dealing with Lyme disease or another illness. If your vet finds your dog has Lyme disease, you can get help to treat this issue before it gets out of hand.

What are the long-term symptoms of Lyme disease in dogs?

Lyme disease that goes untreated can cause your dog to experience damage to their kidneys, nervous system, and heart. In some instances, dogs with Lyme disease experience facial paralysis and seizures. The disease can cause a dog’s heart rate to escalate. In the worst-case scenario, Lyme disease that goes unaddressed can be fatal.

How does a dog get Lyme disease?

Ticks transmit Lyme disease to dogs and other animals. For instance, a tick carrying the disease can climb onto a dog’s body at any time. The dog may have no idea the tick is on its body, and the tick will bite the dog and feed off its blood. Meanwhile, the tick can infect the dog with Lyme disease. The tick may remain on the dog for an extended period of time or find another host. Regardless, the dog can be infected with Lyme disease, which can cause it to experience long-term health problems.

Can cats get Lyme disease?

Research suggests cats may be able to get Lyme disease, but the disease has not been discovered in a cat to date. However, ticks can still climb onto the coat of a cat, get close to its skin, and feed off of it. They tend to bite cats on the neck, ears, feet, and head. Thus, if you have a cat, you should keep a close eye out for ticks on it. If you don’t, the tick may continue to feed off your cat long into the future.

What is the best tick control option for dogs?

Tick prevention products are available for dogs. These products are designed to keep ticks from getting on your dog or kill ticks. Some tick prevention products consist of medication that you give your pet monthly. Others are applied topically to your dog’s skin. Along with using tick prevention products, you can check your dog frequently for ticks. You can do so as soon as your dog comes indoors from a wooded area or any other space where ticks may be present. Look around your dog’s ears, face, and across the body and remove any ticks immediately.

How can I prevent ticks from reaching my dog at home?

A tick control company can offer tips and recommendations to help you keep ticks outside your home. The company’s technicians can assess your home and see if there are any areas where ticks can populate. Next, the technicians can apply a treatment to limit the tick population on your property. They can complete ongoing treatments to help you combat ticks moving forward.

Also read: Can you get Lyme disease in the winter?

What is the best tick prevention?

When it comes to tick prevention, we want to use the most effective methods.

We ask the question, “What is the best tick prevention,” for two reasons. First, we want to know what is best for our families. Pet-owners are also very interested to know the best tick protection for their pets. There is more than one answer to this question.

What is the best tick prevention for your family?

When you are away from home, personal tick protection is key. Clothing treated with the pesticide, permethrin, can be worn when hiking for tick protection. Personal tick repellents can be sprayed directly on your skin at the beach or at a friend’s backyard barbecue.

When it comes to the ultimate tick protection at home, choosing a professional tick control company is essential. Reputable tick control companies employ all-natural tick repellents or EPA-registered pesticides all around your home. These formulas are engineered to work for a couple of weeks at a time. The all-natural repellent will help keep ticks away from your yard. The EPA-registered tick control formula will eliminate ticks on contact, and continue killing them with a time-released formula for about three weeks.

What is the best tick protection for dogs?

Informed pet owning families know that a bite from an infected tick can be very dangerous for dogs. Some of the illnesses that dogs can get from an infected tick are Anaplasmosis, Hepatozoonosis, and even Lyme disease. According to Pet Life Today, Some of the best methods of tick protection for dogs are Bayer K9 Advantix and Frontline Plus. In addition to tick protection, I highly recommend heart worm prevention. Heart worms can result from one mosquito bite. Heart worms can be deadly. At the very least, this disease and treatment can leave dogs with lifelong heart problems.

In addition to oral or topical tick protection for dogs, at-home tick control is essential. If you want to ultimately protect your dog from the threat of tick-borne and mosquito-borne illnesses, choose a reputable tick control company to treat your yard.

Year-round tick protection is best for your family and pets.

tick tubes — Tick tubes offer year-round tick control

Ticks are on the rampage in Central Mass. Tick-borne illnesses are on the rise. Year-round tick protection is available from reputable tick control professionals. Adding to professional tick protection sprays, the use of tick tubes will help control the emerging tick population in the spring.

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

Tag: tick prevention