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April 17, 2017
Ticks, Ticks, Ticks, every year we dread having to protect ourselves from these disease spreading pests. Ticks are unapologetic and attach themselves to us, to our children, and to our pets in order to feed on our blood. It is more important now than it ever has been before to be vigilant and protect ourselves from these parasitic pests; the mild winter we just experienced, while great on heating bills, was not great for killing off tick populations. This means that coming in contact with ticks this spring and summer is not going to be a question of if, but when!
This winter created the perfect storm that allowed tick populations to thrive and roll into spring with very high numbers. During a very cold winter the continuous freezing temperatures kill off most of the tick population, leaving very low numbers once spring comes around. All spring and summer they will build their numbers to where they left off the previous year. However, in the case of a mild winter like this year, most of the ticks survived which means that this spring we are starting out with very high numbers of ticks, and these numbers will only continue to grow.
Another reason that tick numbers could be explosive this year is because while the weather has been mild, it has also been wet. The wet weather that we have experienced towards the end of winter and so far this spring provides ticks with the damp conditions they need to establish their breeding grounds; more breeding grounds = more ticks! Also, the warmer temperatures of later winter and early spring allow ticks to start breeding earlier allowing them to build their numbers faster; and it’s not only ticks that are active earlier. Because of the early spring people and their pets are also enjoying the outdoor earlier. This allows ticks to come in contact with people and pets sooner and more often! See, it really is a perfect storm for a tick explosion!
While you may not be used to being on the lookout for ticks this early, you need to constantly remind yourself that you need to be. Not just because ticks give most people the heebie-jeebies just thinking about having a tick attached to them or their pet, but because ticks spread diseases including the very serious Lyme disease. More ticks mean there is more of a chance of coming into contact with a tick that can transmit Lyme disease to you or a loved one.
So, how can you protect yourself, your family, and your pets from ticks this year? First, it is important to work with your pet’s veterinarian and have them treated with a tick preventative. Second, while spending time outside, especially in wooded areas or in areas of tall grass, you should always wear protective clothing (long sleeves, long pants) and use a safe tick repellent spray. And finally, contact the Maine tick control specialists here at Pine State Pest Solutions! Our experienced and trained technicians will inspect your property and reduce tick numbers by performing an effective tick treatment. This can be a one-time service, or for the best results, you may decide to choose an on-going service throughout the entire tick season!
Contact Pine State Pest Solutions for more information about our tick control solution and start protecting your family and pets from dangerous ticks today!
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