Tick season isn’t over yet. Although ticks are most associated with the summer months, and autumn is around the proverbial corner, in the Northeastern United States this resilient pest can remain active through November. For tick control in the Tristate, this means a few more months of spraying DEET and tucking your pants into your boots when hiking, but it also means your summer tick treatments may require maintenance or a long-term solution.
There are various species of tick. It’s important to understand that not all of them pose the same level of danger to humans and pets. In the United States, the most common ticks to be aware of are the black-legged tick, commonly known as the “deer tick,” the lone star tick, and the American dog tick. Being able to distinguish between these ticks is crucial to understanding the risks they present to you, your family, and your pets.
The black-legged tick is a notorious transmitter of Lyme disease, a debilitating illness that can have serious long-term consequences if not promptly treated.
The lone star tick is associated with the spread of ehrlichiosis and southern tick-associated rash illness (STARI), both of which can result in uncomfortable symptoms and health complications.
Lastly, the American dog tick is a known carrier of Rocky Mountain spotted fever, a potentially fatal disease if left untreated.
Learn more about tick-borne diseases, by reviewing the CDC’s comprehensive list, available here.
When it comes to tackling tick infestations on your property, steps like clearing brush, mowing tall grass, and administering tick preventatives to your pets might not suffice. While these tactics play a role in prevention, regular tick control treatments, which have proven efficacy, should be considered. However, it’s important to remember that such treatments aren’t a one-time solution. They require scheduled reapplication approximately every four weeks to maintain their effectiveness and ensure continued protection.
For a more sustainable and hands-off approach, tick tubes are a viable longer-term solution. These innovative devices require less attention, only needing placement twice a year. Contrary to their name, tick tubes aren’t intended to attract ticks. Instead, they contain treated cotton designed to lure mice—the primary hosts for young ticks. Mice use the cotton to construct their nests, thereby transferring the treatment to their fur. Consequently, any ticks that touch either the treated cotton or the mice are quickly killed. This strategy proves particularly effective as it targets ticks during their early developmental stages, significantly curbing their population.
At Masters Pest Control, we offer a comprehensive range of pest control services that have been specifically tailored to combat ticks. Our team of skilled technicians employs safe and highly effective methods to eliminate ticks from your property and prevent future infestations.
Don’t get complacent about tick prevention. Contact Masters Pest Control today to learn more about our tick services and how we can help keep your property tick-free through autumn. Call (877) 546-9575 or request a free estimate, here.