The minute people start spending time outdoors on Long Island each year – especially in Suffolk County – you hear warnings about ticks, Lyme disease, etc. Is it overrated? Is tick prevention necessary? In a word, yes.
Between existing species of ticks in New York, species from other countries gaining territory in the U.S. and concerns about Lyme disease and other infections transmitted by ticks, they are a serious concern. Ticks are also potentially around and active all year, though they’re far more common and active during the warmer months of April through September. Ticks had already been a concern for hikers but in recent years the problem has moved to Long Island backyards and with the related growing number of Lyme disease cases caused by tick bites, especially in Suffolk County, making preventative treatment essential.
Why Are Ticks So Dangerous?
For a tiny insect, ticks are a huge problem.
- They carry diseases, including ehrlichiosis and Rocky Mountain spotted fever
- They’re hard to spot
- They’re hard to remove once they bite you – even dead they can stay attached
- They’re hard to kill
- They can survive drought
- They can survive cold
- They can go months without feeding
While you can dress to avoid ticks, (such as avoiding exposed skin, wearing enclosed shoes, tucking pants into socks, or wearing light-colored clothing) you don’t want to go to that much trouble just to spend time in your backyard, let your kids play or to toss a ball around with your dog. Having your property treated for ticks can spare you that inconvenience.
How to Avoid Ticks
While the health risks associated with ticks can seem overwhelming, you can do things to lower your risk of tick exposure.
First, obviously, talk to a service like Arrow Exterminating about preventative spraying of your property. Second, clear out tall grass on your property, the edge of the lawn, etc. Ticks can easily hide in grass and leaves so also get rid of any leaves cluttering up the property.
Keep your grass mowed regularly so it doesn’t get long. If there’s a wooded area on or at the edge of your property, put a three-foot wide barrier of gravel, wood chips, etc. between the lawn and that wooded area to deter tick migration. Keep decks, patios, playground equipment, etc. away from trees, wooded areas and tall grasses.
Neatly stacking wood in a dry area is also important. It deters rodents from hiding in the wood pile. Ticks can feed on rodents and from there get to you. Also get rid of old furniture, debris, etc. that can be hiding places for ticks. If you have to get rid of a mattress or such, make arrangements for it to be picked up quickly.
Ticks are dangerous but, with proper preparation, you can keep yourself and your family safe. Talk to the experts at Arrow Exterminating to learn more.
Arrow Can Help Prevent Ticks
Protect your family from ticks and Lyme disease by calling Arrow Exterminating to discuss tick control prevention and treatments. Arrow will help you identify if you have a problem, explain our plan to eradicate your infestation, and give you the peace of mind you need. To get started, contact Arrow Exterminating today.
