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Winter Tick: Dermacentor Albipictus

February 2, 2023 by Brian Kelly

Moose in a snowy forestWinter typically isn’t prime time for ticks. Nearly all tick species are most active during the warmer months – April through September. Some even die off or become dormant when the weather cools. But there is one tick species that flourishes in cold weather… decimating wild animal populations and wreaking havoc on northern ecosystems.

What Is A Moose Tick?

The Dermacentor albipictus, also known as a moose tick or winter tick, is a parasitic arachnid. It is a one-host tick, feeding on a single host throughout its larval, nymphal, and adult life stages – only dropping off to lay eggs and die.

The moose or winter tick feeds primarily on ungulates like moose, deer, elk, or caribou. Sometimes they feed on horses, cattle, coyotes, beavers, or black bears if they cannot find another host. Although they rarely find their way onto humans, they have been found on pet dogs. So, care needs to be taken if you take your pets to an area where these ticks are present.

Why Are They Called Winter Ticks?

The dermacentor albipictus is known as a winter tick because it thrives in cold temperatures. Most tick species become less active during the cold months, but winter ticks are most active in autumn and winter – causing devastating consequences for their primary host species.

Even though they don’t transmit diseases, thousands of these ticks will attach to a single host for up to six months causing massive blood loss and extreme weakening. Moose are especially vulnerable to winter tick depredations. Moose will rub off their own fur trying to remove the ticks, subsequently freezing to death because they are no longer protected by their thick winter coats. In some areas of New England, these ticks wiped out nearly 90 percent of all moose calves during the winter of 2021-22.

Where Are Winter Ticks Found?

Found throughout Canada, Northern New England, Minnesota, and in certain areas of the Rockies; the dermacentor albipictus’s range is quite broad. Winter ticks aren’t a Long Island problem currently but – like many pests – their range is constantly changing.

They haven’t been officially documented by the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation. But scientists are concerned that winter ticks may expand their range into the Adirondacks, Taconic Highlands, and other areas of New York State where moose are present.

East End Tick Control® Can Provide Year-round Tick Prevention

While moose ticks aren’t a problem for residents of East End Long Island at this point, black-legged (deer) ticks are still active in the colder months. If you see signs of any kind of ticks on your property, East End Tick Control® is your removal and exclusion expert. If you’re in Southampton, call (631) 287-9700; in East Hampton, call (631) 324-9700; or in Southold, call (631) 765-9700. You can also message us online for more information or to request a free estimate.

Filed Under: Outdoor Pests, Ticks / Tick Information, Winter

Mosquito-Borne Disease: Chikungunya

January 19, 2023 by Brian Kelly

Chikungunya diseaseWhile the winter months can offer us a brief reprieve from some pests out in nature, it’s always short-lived. One of the biggest persistent pests on Long Island remains the mosquito, an insect that’s active most of the year from the spring going well into the fall. Not only do their bites cause itchiness and discomfort that can last days, but they also spread diseases.

Mosquitos are known for carrying several diseases, one of the most well-known of which is the West Nile Virus. Today we’re going to highlight a lesser-known mosquito-borne illness, Chikungunya Fever. While this disease is rare in the United States, it has increased over the past decade. As travel continues to increase as the pandemic wanes, the risk of Chikungunya becoming more common here will increase. So, what do we need to know?

What Are the Symptoms of Chikungunya Fever?

Symptoms of Chikungunya Fever typically develop between three to seven days of the initial exposure. The most common symptoms are fever and joint pain. While fever won’t necessarily persist for long, the joint pain can be crippling and severe and could linger for months. Accompanying symptoms may include headache and joint swelling in addition to joint pain. Another disease symptom is Chikungunya rash, which can occur in patches over the face, torso, and limbs.

How Is Chikungunya Detected?

The only way to detect if you have Chikungunya Fever is through a blood test. The Chikungunya virus remains detectable in your blood for at least a week. Because of this, it is vital that if you think you may have contracted this disease, you avoid mosquitos biting you again, as that is how the disease continues to spread.

Who Is at Risk for Chikungunya Fever?

Such as the case with many diseases, Chikungunya Fever will more severely impact infants and the elderly. Those with comorbidities, including heart disease, high blood pressure, or diabetes, will also be at higher risk for more severe symptoms from Chikungunya Fever. You are also more at risk if you travel to a part of the world where an outbreak occurs. It’s always important to research where you’re traveling beforehand for any diseases you may be at risk of contracting while abroad.

The only way to decrease your risk to zero is to keep mosquitos away from you and your family. And the best way to keep mosquitos away from your home is to consult with trusted mosquito control professionals in your area.

East End Tick Control® Can Help Protect You from Mosquito-Borne Illnesses

Mosquito-borne illnesses like Chikungunya Fever can have debilitating symptoms that last for months and, unfortunately, have no treatments or vaccines to fight against or prevent it. The only way to avoid some mosquito-borne illnesses is to avoid contact with a mosquito. If you reside on eastern Long Island, you need trusted mosquito control that is safe for your family and pets. For those living near Southampton, please call (631) 287-9700. If you are closer to East Hampton, please call (631) 324-9700. If you reside near Southold, please call (631) 765-9700. You can always send us a message, and we will get back to you as soon as possible

Filed Under: Mosquito Info, Mosquito Prevention, Mosquitoes, Prevention

Can Ticks Survive Winter?

January 5, 2023 by Brian Kelly

ticks winter survivalIcy roads, high heating bills, frozen pipes, shoveling snow. These are all concerns we deal with during a Long Island winter. But ticks? Do we need to worry about ticks in the heart of winter? The answer may come as an unpleasant surprise for you.
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Filed Under: Tick Prevention Tips, Ticks / Tick Information, Winter

What Is Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever?

December 15, 2022 by Brian Kelly

rocky mountain spotted fever faqFor Long Island residents, ticks are a part of life. Often found in wooded areas and tall grass, ticks present more than just a nuisance to you and your family, but potentially life-threatening illnesses. There are several tick-borne illnesses, the most common one being Lyme disease.

Lyme disease causes fever, headache, and fatigue. If it goes untreated for too long, Lyme disease can cause infection to spread into the joints, nervous system, or even the heart. Approximately 35,000 people in the United States contract Lyme disease annually, averaging nearly 100 cases daily. And that’s only one of the tick-borne illnesses. Another potentially deadly tick-borne illness of note is Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever.
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Filed Under: Tick Diseases, Ticks / Tick Information

What Insects Have Been Genetically Modified?

December 1, 2022 by Brian Kelly

gmo mosquitoesAs insects increasingly become resistant to pesticides, scientists seek innovative ways to decrease their numbers. Genetic pest management is one of the techniques being explored in the U.S. and around the globe. From mosquitoes that transmit dangerous viruses to moths and flies that destroy crops, scientists are altering insects’ genes to prevent them from reproducing and causing harm.
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Filed Under: Mosquito Info, Mosquitoes

Now Is the Time To Get Winter Tick Shield Protection

November 17, 2022 by Brian Kelly

tick shieldWhen temperatures dip, you may think pest-related threats have ended for the winter. This is true for some pests but not so for ticks. April through October is considered tick season in the northeast United States, but these disease-carrying pests can thrive well into autumn and winter. Ticks are active when temperatures are above 40 degrees Fahrenheit, emerging from mulch beds and from under wood piles. Our Tick Shield granular treatment will kill new ticks as they hatch, providing year-round protection.
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Filed Under: Prevention, Tick Control, Ticks / Tick Information, Winter

3 Facts To Know About Mosquito-Borne Dengue Fever

November 3, 2022 by Brian Kelly

dengue fever from mosquitosMosquitoes are an unavoidable part of life for most New Yorkers, and there are approximately 70 different species of mosquitoes in our state alone. And while mosquitoes can potentially be active any time of year in New York under the right circumstances, they are most active between April and October.
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Filed Under: Mosquito Info, Mosquitoes

5 Tips for Avoiding Ticks in the Fall

October 20, 2022 by Brian Kelly

tick preventative sprayingAutumn is prime time to prepare your yard for the winter ahead – to rake up fallen leaves, mulch, plant bulbs, and clear away garden clutter. It’s also an excellent season for spending time in nature: walking through woods ablaze in fall color or sitting around a cozy fire pit. One might think that fall is an idyllic, bug-free season with its cooler temperatures, but don’t let down your guard. There are still ticks out there, waiting for the perfect host to latch on to; don’t let it be you, your family, or your pets.
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Filed Under: Tick Control, Ticks / Tick Information

Why You May Still Need To Spray For Mosquitoes In October

October 6, 2022 by Brian Kelly

mosquito fall sprayThe days are short, the nights are cool, and the leaves are starting to turn. It’s another lovely Long Island autumn day! So why are there still mosquitoes in your yard? You’d think they’d be gone by now, but they aren’t.
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Filed Under: Flying Pests, Mosquito Info, Mosquito Prevention, Mosquitoes

Are Ticks Attracted To Certain Scents?

September 22, 2022 by Brian Kelly

ticks and scent attractionWhy do some people never seem to get bitten by ticks, while others are absolute tick-magnets? Are there certain human traits that attract or repel ticks? Yes, there are! By understanding how ticks detect their prey, we can understand why some individuals are more likely than others to attract ticks.
[Continue Reading]

Filed Under: Ticks / Tick Information

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