When you and your family are outdoors this spring having picnics, going on walks, and having cookouts, the last thing you should be worried about is pesky mosquitos. Mosquitos are not only irritating and space invading, but they can also be a threat to your health if they are carrying disease(s). The experts at East End Tick and Mosquito Control® are here to share our in-depth knowledge about mosquitos, the diseases they can transmit, and how to protect yourself from getting bit.
Summer is weeks away, and as Long Island residents prepare for the busy season and warmer days ahead, it is also time to prepare for tick season. Specifically, it is time to focus on the fact that May is Lyme Disease Awareness Month. Scientists are predicting a hectic year with an increase in ticks. Doctors believe that COVID-19 could lead to more people being infected with tick-borne illnesses because the urge to go outside being stronger than ever.
May is Lyme Disease Awareness Month, and as professional tick experts, we know how important it is to be informed about this tick-borne disease. This is because WordHampton.com reports that about 20% to 50% of ticks in the East End area of Long Island carry Lyme disease! Fortunately, East End Tick Control® specializes in the removal of ticks from your property because we know that ticks are not only annoying, but they can also be dangerous to you and your family’s health.
Since we have been indoors for so long, it is natural to feel the urge to go back outside and enjoy the warm weather. However, some doctors have voiced their concerns that the influx of people going outdoors could spike an increase in Lyme disease cases. For this reason, we have written an informative yet condensed blog for you to better understand Lyme disease. Read on to learn and share with your friends and family to spread the knowledge!
The name “Lyme disease” came from the location of the first cases of Lyme disease in a small town called Lyme, Connecticut. These cases took place in 1975 when a woman notified Yale researchers about “a cluster of pediatric arthritis cases”, explains DHSS.Delaware.gov. From 1977 to 1979, the Yale researchers changed the name of the disease from Lyme arthritis to Lyme disease once new symptoms were discovered. Finally, in 1982, a doctor by the name of Dr. Willy Burgdorfer uncovered that the cause of Lyme disease was a spirochete. This infectious agent was named after him, and we now know that spirochete to be called Borrelia burgdorferi.
Lyme disease is caused by the spirochete bacteria Borrelia. Specifically, the Lyme disease cases in the United States are caused by Borrelia burgdorferi and Borrelia mayonii. MayoClinic.org informs us that these bacteria are transmitted when an infected black-legged tick, also known as a deer tick, bites through the skin. The chance of getting bit by an infected tick increases when you are in densely wooded or grassy areas.
Lyme disease can present itself in multiple ways in different people. As stated by Healthline.com, the most common symptoms include fever, muscle aches, fatigue, joint pain, and the signature circular bulls-eye rash that can appear at the site of where the tick bite occurred. This rash could appear as “a raised rash, a flat rash, or even blisters”. If you see this bull’s-eye rash anywhere on your body, see your doctor as soon as possible to start treatment or risk experiencing more serious complications, such as heart disorders, meningitis, and even miscarriages.
Lyme disease is caused by bacteria, so treatment requires antibiotics. To treat early stages of Lyme disease, the appropriate antibiotics include Doxycycline, Amoxicillin, or Cefuroxime, states CDC.gov. Those who are receiving these antibiotics are instructed to take them anywhere from 10 to 14 days. Treatment of later stages of Lyme disease where it has spread further in the body can require taking antibiotics for longer than 14 days and may even involve intravenous antibiotic treatment.
East End Tick Control® has the expertise and years of experience to eliminate ticks from your property with both traditional and organic products. Eradicating the tick population surrounding your Suffolk County home will greatly reduce the chance of you or your loved ones getting Lyme disease in your own environment. You should be able to freely spend time outside in your own backyard without ticks threatening your health or peace of mind. Contact us today to start enjoying spring to the fullest!
Spring is here, and so are pesky, disease-carrying ticks. We should be able to freely enjoy the warm weather without worrying about becoming an all-you-can-eat buffet for these bothersome insects who can transmit life-threatening diseases. Luckily, the East End Tick Control® experts have extensive knowledge of how to keep ticks away from you and your property. Here are three ways to protect yourself from ticks this spring.
A popular activity during the spring season is going on hikes, but this is also when ticks are very active. To protect yourself from ticks while hiking, TomsOfMaine.com recommends wearing clothing that covers your skin as much as possible. These clothing articles include long sleeve shirts, long pants tucked into thick socks, and close-toed shoes. The less exposed skin available, the less of a chance that a tick will land on you. Make sure that you spray yourself with tick repellant as well, for an added layer of protection.
Ticks thrive in damp, dark, and dense grassy and wooded areas. Therefore, a highly effective way to protect your property and your loved ones from ticks are to maintain your lawn’s length by regularly mowing it down. YayaOrganics.com explains that this is a reliable method to ward off ticks because they will not be comfortable staying in short grass due to there being a higher chance of the heat from the sun drying them out. If you have leaf piles, woodpiles, or mulch on your property, make sure that the area around them is clear as well, as they are major breeding grounds for ticks.
Many essential oils are effective in repelling and even killing ticks, and one of those essential oils is cedar oil. FarmersAlmanac.com states that using cedar oil spray is a wonderful way to naturally protect yourself from ticks because cedar oil kills ticks on sight. You can apply cedar oil spray on your clothing or even directly on your skin because it is non-toxic.
Even with these methods, carefully check yourself, your family, and your pets after spending time outdoors. Whether you are doing yardwork, walking in the park, or simply spending time relaxing in your backyard, ticks are always active and you should be constantly vigilant. If you spot a tick, here is our handy guide to help you identify it. Print a copy to carry with you if you’re going to be outdoors for a while so that you can easily identify bugs that you may find on your body or clothing.
If you want a longer-term solution to protecting yourself from ticks, contact East End Tick Control® today! We use various products to rid your eastern Suffolk County property of ticks and keep them from coming back. Once spring and summer are over, our professionals can continue to treat your property for ticks during the off-season so you can be protected all year long. Ensure your family’s safety and give the experts at East End Tick Control® a call. Residents near Southampton can call (631) 287-9700. East Hampton area residents can call (631) 324-9700. Residents near Southold can call (631) 765-9700. You can also email us. We look forward to helping you!
Spring has arrived and after being stuck inside all winter, we cannot wait to get back outside! However, it is important to remember that ticks are active, and the time to start preparing for Lyme Awareness Month is now.
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