Summer is almost here, and that means spending more time outdoors. More outdoor time means more exposure to mosquitoes, ticks, and other biting insects. With the risk of pest-borne illnesses on the rise, we all want to choose the best possible product to repel the ticks and mosquitoes that spread them.
Travel Tips After the First Travel Tick-Related Death in the U.S.
You may have seen the recent headlines – an American citizen contracted the tick-borne Powassan virus (while traveling to Canada) and passed away upon returning home. While shocking, it isn’t surprising.
Tick-borne illnesses are spreading into new regions – including parts of the northern U.S. – where there already have been fatalities. Powassan is still relatively rare, but there are other tick-borne illnesses that can cause severe symptoms and even result in death.
Whether you stay at home on Long Island or travel to another region, you should be aware of tick-related diseases in the area and take precautions to avoid tick encounters.
Do Ticks Prefer a Blood Type?
Do you ever feel like you’re a tick magnet? Do you seem to attract ticks every time you cut the grass or take a walk in the woods? Or, perhaps, you’re one of the lucky ones who rarely finds a tick on your clothes or skin.
Why does it seem like ticks gravitate towards some people but not others? Do ticks have preferences? Actually yes, they do! There is scientific evidence that ticks prefer certain blood types (and certain species) over others.
Ticks Can’t Jump
When you find a tick on your skin or clothes… you may mentally retrace your steps, trying to figure out where you picked it up. You didn’t brush against tall grass or touch any plants, so how did it get there? Perhaps it jumped on you from a distance?
How far can ticks jump, anyway? Before anyone considers recruiting ticks for the Nets or the Knicks, let’s burst that bubble: ticks can’t jump. So how do these disease-carrying parasites find their way onto unwitting hosts?
Tips for Outdoor Workers
If you work outside in the summer, you’re well aware of the hazards: excessive heat, sun exposure, and pop-up storms. You may be ready for the threats posed by summer weather… but are you prepared for the problems caused by summer insects like ticks and mosquitoes?
Outdoor workers are especially at risk because of your long exposure time and pests’ attraction to the carbon monoxide you emit as you work and sweat. Both ticks and mosquitoes are vectors for diseases that can cause severe illness – from Lyme disease to West Nile virus – so it’s important to protect yourself from these pest-borne threats.
Tick and Mosquito Prevention: Eastern Long Island and the Hamptons
Ticks and mosquitoes are seasonal pests. Their quest for blood begins when temperatures reach above 50 degrees Fahrenheit, and increases in severity as temperatures and humidity continue to rise. If you’re a homeowner living in Eastern Long Island or the Hamptons, you may be seeing tick and mosquito activity now. Reduce your chances of being bitten and the health risks that are often associated with ticks and mosquitoes breeding and living in your
area with some helpful advice from our experts.
In this blog, you’ll discover which ticks and mosquitoes are most prevalent in your area, prevention tips for keeping yourself, your family, and your pets safe, and what you can do to reduce the tick and mosquito populations living on your property.
Top 3 ticks living in Eastern Long Island and the Hamptons
American dog tick
Black legged tick
Lone star tick
- American dog tick (Dermacentor variabilis) – known for transmitting Rocky Mountain spotted fever.
- Black legged tick (Ixodes scapularis) / deer tick – known for transmitting Lyme disease.
- Lone star tick (Amblyomma americanum) – known for transmitting Southern Tick–Associated Rash Illness (STARI).
Tick safety tips for the entire family
- Wear a long-sleeved shirt and pants. If possible, tuck pant legs into socks or boots.
- Wear light-colored clothing to easily spot ticks crawling on you.
- Wear insect repellents with an EPA-registered active ingredient, such as 20-30% DEET. For an extra layer of protection, treat the exterior of your clothing, shoes, and any outdoor gear with spray containing permethrin.
- Avoid walking through tall grasses.
- Conduct a full body check for ticks and bathe/shower within 2 hours of your return.
- Tick checks are extremely important after outdoor activities. It’s essential to look closely too. Nymphs (young ticks) can be very tiny and easy to miss, and unfortunately are also the most likely to transmit Lyme disease. Tick nymphs may resemble a “walking freckle,” so stare at your arms and legs for a few minutes. Use a mirror to check your back and other areas of your body that are not readily visible.
- If you are bitten, remove and save the tick in a sandwich bag that zips, or a jar. Different tick species are associated with different disease-causing pathogens, and it may be useful to have the tick properly identified. Local health departments and extension services from universities often offer this service free of charge.
- Time is of the essence when it comes to removing ticks. Quick removal of ticks can reduce the likelihood of disease transmission.
- Talk to your vet about seasonal tick protection for your pets.
Tick prevention tips for your yard
-
- Keep walkways free from tall grass, shrubs, and vegetation.
- Trim lawn often, keeping it on the shorter side.
- Install a border of rocks to your landscaping to help deter ticks.
- Limit feeding wildlife that can bring ticks into your yard.
- Hire a licensed pest technician who can safely apply seasonal tick treatments to your yard, and who can also take care of other pests that may bring ticks into your yard.
Mosquito species to beware of in Eastern Long Island and the Hamptons
Asian tiger mosquito
Northern house mosquito
-
-
- Aedes mosquito species (Ae. albopictus) the Asian tiger mosquito – carrier of Zika virus, dengue, and chikungunya virus; (Ae. sollicitans) the Eastern saltmarsh mosquito – carrier of Eastern equine encephalitis (EEE) and dog heartworm.
- Culex mosquito species (Cx. pipiens) the Northern house mosquito – carrier of West Nile virus and St. Louis encephalitis virus.
-
Mosquito safety tips for the entire family
-
-
- Wear light-colored clothing. Mosquitoes are attracted to darker colors. As an extra precaution, wear long socks. Aedes mosquitoes are ankle-biters.
- Add an extra layer of protection by wearing an EPA-approved insect repellent outside and reapply as directed. When pairing mosquito repellent with sunscreen, apply the sunscreen first.
- Avoid outdoor activities during peak feeding hours (dusk and dawn), although some species are active all day.
- Limit vigorous activities. The more active you are, the more carbon dioxide you emit, attracting hungry mosquitoes.
- Talk to your veterinarian about heartworm preventatives if you own a cat or dog. WARNING: Avoid applying any mosquito repellents containing DEET on your animal.
-
Mosquito prevention tips for your yard
-
-
- Eliminate standing water to help reduce populations around your property. Most mosquito species require less than a tablespoon of water for breeding.
- Change, drain, or remove water in objects such as small swimming pools, toys, bird baths, fountains, spare tires, flowerpots, and pet bowls.
- Keep roof gutters and downspouts clear of debris.
- Fill any tree holes that may collect water.
- Replace or repair broken screens to prevent mosquitoes and other pests from coming inside.
- Trim vegetation and grass to reduce resting areas for adult mosquitoes.
- Work with your pest management professional to treat mosquito hot spots.
-
Professional Help From Your Local Tick and Mosquito Control Experts
East End Tick and Mosquito Control is proud to provide our customers with over 25 years of extensive knowledge, servicing Long Island’s East End – from Moriches to Montauk, Wading River to Orient Point, and Shelter Island.
Our technicians are fully insured and licensed by the Department of Environmental Conservation. Don’t wait for mosquito and tick season to heat up, contact us online or call for a free estimate today! Southampton (631) 287-9700; East Hampton (631) 324-9700; Southold (631) 765-9700.
Protecting Kids From Ticks
If you’re a parent, then your child’s health is a top priority. We want our children to be active and enjoy the good weather through the spring, summer, and fall. Unfortunately, while the warm weather may be inviting… the warmth also brings about some pests that can cause serious harm.
Bee, hornet, and wasp stings can be a nuisance – and significantly more serious for those with an allergy. Mosquito bites can be a problem as well.
Today, we’re going to focus on one of the worst pests around: ticks. They’re so tiny that they can be easily missed, but they’re responsible for some of the most debilitating illnesses including Lyme disease.
So how can we protect our kids from ticks?
Protecting Pets From Ticks
Spring is in the air. Which means it’s not only time to enjoy the warmer weather, but it’s also tick season. Ticks are most active on Long Island during the spring and fall months. This means it is important to dress appropriately when going out in areas where ticks are known to inhabit – as well as thoroughly check for ticks. Not just for yourself and the people you love, but your pets as well.
While many diseases that humans get aren’t necessarily transferable to animals in the same ways… cats and dogs are all too vulnerable to tick bites. Our furry companions are just as susceptible to some of the worst results of a bite – including contracting Lyme disease and Tularemia. So how do we keep ticks away from our pets?
What Can I Put On My Pet So It Doesn’t Get Ticks?
There are a number of natural remedies you can implement to naturally repel ticks from your dog. By combining certain essential oils with water and vodka, you can create a natural tick-repellent spray to apply to your pooch. Please keep in mind that many essential oils are not safe to use with your cat, so this method will not apply to them. And regardless, you should discuss this with your veterinarian before applying any essential oils to your dog.
Citrus can also repel ticks. A similar concoction could be made by combining citrus elements (such as lime juice) with water and witch hazel and then using that as a spray instead. This should be safe for cats but it’s still important to consult with a veterinarian before implementing this tick-warding tactic.
Does Vinegar Kill Ticks On Dogs?
Apple cider vinegar is another natural tick repellant you can use with your dog. You can either add a small amount to your dog’s water or make a similar kind of repellent spray as described above. A spray like that could be applied in the morning before going on a walk. It’s important to keep in mind that while apple cider vinegar might help to repel ticks, this and other natural methods do not kill them.
While you should always be vigilant about checking for ticks when your pet has been exposed to a high-risk tick area… the only way to truly have peace of mind is to consult with pest protection professionals that can remove the risk of ticks from your property.
East End Tick Control® Can Protect You And Your Family, Including Your Pets!
Ticks are not only a menace to people, but to pets as well. We here at East End Tick Control® understand that your pets are your family, and we provide quality pest protection that’s mindful of the health of the animals you love. Comfort and peace of mind are just a phone call away. 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 also send us a message through our website and we will get back to you as soon as possible.
Can Ticks Survive Winter?
Icy 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.
[Continue Reading]
Five Tips for Keeping Your Kids Safe This Tick Season
Few insects inspire fear like ticks. Partially because they look a bit like tiny spiders, but even more because we know they latch on to us, suck our blood, and potentially leave behind a host of different tick-borne diseases; just the thought of a tick can make your skin crawl.
For most people, the obvious answer is to avoid them. But when you are a parent, especially a parent with children who enjoy playing outdoors, there is an ever-present threat of one of the little monsters attacking your little monster.
So how do you keep your kids safe from ticks? As with most insect bite prevention, the key is planning.
- First, when your children go outside, know where they will be and evaluate the risk. While your backyard might not seem like a haven for ticks, you might be mistaken. The first step in keeping kids safe is ensuring your yard is not hospitable to ticks.
The Centers for Disease Control suggests frequently mowing, keeping leaves raked and wood neatly stacked in a sunny, dry place. They also say to keep swings, monkey bars, and other play equipment in bright areas, not under a shade tree. Remember that play equipment in the sun can get hot and cause burns.
- The next step in preventing ticks on your child is to clothe them appropriately. It’s time to forgo favorite colors that are dark and allow bugs to hide. Instead, opt for light-colored clothing and closed-toe shoes. Wearing a hat is always a good idea when under trees and staying out of high weeds.
- The third step to keeping your children safe during tick season is learning to perform a good tick check and safely remove a tick found on your child.
Every time your child comes in from the outdoors, it’s a good idea to do a quick visual inspection to look for ticks.
Not sure how to check for ticks on a child? This YouTube tutorial can help. The key is to inspect their hairline and all the crevices an insect might be able to hide in. Often ticks are found on the scalp or in the armpits, but the mother in the video found a tick in her son’s belly button.
One way to help prevent a tick from latching onto your child is to have them take a bath or shower as soon as they enter. This also helps get rid of any allergens they pick up while outside.
-
What to do ff I find a tick on my child? That’s where the fourth step comes in: don’t panic.
Yes, ticks in New York can carry disease, but getting rid of the tick as quickly as possible is essential. Remove the tick from your child, and then worry about the consequences.
Grab a pair of tweezers and a plastic bag. Grasp the tick as close to the head as possible and pull it directly away from the skin. Put the tick in the plastic bag, rinse the wound with soap and water or an antiseptic and then call your pediatrician’s office for advice. Some doctors may want to see the tick to determine the chances of it making your child sick and recommend any follow-up treatment.
- The fifth step in preventing ticks on your children this summer should be your first step. Call East End Tick Control and talk to us about tick prevention treatment for your property. You’ll still want to be careful and use insect repellent, but you’ll sleep a lot easier if you know you’ve done all you can to keep ticks out of your yard and off your kids.
Prevent Ticks by Calling East End Tick Control
Although Lyme disease is highly treatable, prevention is the best cure. Professional tick mitigation is one of the most effective ways to avoid these pests on your property. Since 1997, East End Tick and Mosquito Control® have been Suffolk County’s most trusted tick control company. For 25 years, we use the most effective extermination methods to protect yourself and your family. Request a free estimate now or call our Southampton office at (631) 287-9700, our East Hampton office at (631) 324-9700, or our Southold office at (631) 765-9700.
