The recent surge in tick activity across New York, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania as summer winds into fall is very alarming for anyone who lives near a grassy or wooded area. While homeowners in our region are very aware of the deer tick and the potential for Lyme disease, the rapid spread of the lone star tick, which can carry Alpha-gal syndrome (resulting in an allergy to red meat) is equally concerning.
Since nearly 75% of tick-borne infections occur within 100 feet of the home, the need for professional tick control from an experienced company like Masters Pest Control is critical.
Deer Ticks vs Lone Star Ticks: What You Need to Know
Deer ticks (also known as blacklegged ticks) get their name from their relationship with deer, who don’t carry Lyme disease themselves but serve as a source of food (blood) for ticks as they reproduce. Deer ticks can also carry diseases like anaplasmosis and babesiosis. These pests remain active well into the fall (until temperatures drop below freezing).
The lone star tick can be identified by a single white spot on adult females. They are aggressive hunters, always looking for hosts. These ticks were mostly found in the southeastern U.S. until they began to make their way to the northeast in the last 10-20 years. A lone star tick bite can trigger Alpha-gal syndrome, resulting in a dangerous allergy to red meat and other mammal-derived products.
The transition from late summer into early fall creates ideal conditions for exposure to these pests and tick-borne diseases.
Late Summer and Fall are Critical Times for Tick Control
While summer is the peak of tick season, that doesn’t mean the risks disappear as soon as kids head back to school. Adult deer ticks, for example, actively seek out hosts from late summer to early fall so they can feed before the winter months. Cooling temperatures, falling leaves and tall grass make your yard and nearby wooded areas safe havens for ticks to thrive.
Prevention during this time of year starts with personal protection, including using an EPA-registered tick repellent for yourself and pets and checking everyone thoroughly after outdoor activities. Clearing your yard of leaves, dense brush, and fallen branches—especially along property boundaries and woodlines—helps defend your home against ticks.
Professional Tick Control When DIY Methods Fall Short
A typical tick spray for yard treatment from a big-box store might keep these pests at bay temporarily, but they fail to create strong, long-lasting barrier protection against deer ticks, lone star ticks and other tick populations. Professional tick control treatments from Masters Pest Control create a continuous shield along the perimeter of your yard as well as around thick bushes and shady, wooded areas.
Masters Pest Control offers a green tick control program where licensed, experienced professionals apply eco-friendly products around your property (conventional treatment programs are available upon request).
Don’t let end-of-summer tick activity derail your outdoor family fun this fall. Schedule a tick audit with Masters Pest Control so we can determine the right yard treatment for your home today: 877-546-9575.
