Beyond good property management, East End Tick & Mosquito Control prides ourselves on staying at the forefront of tick education and tick borne illness prevention. Last year we noticed an increased presence of the Lone Star Tick and we expect the same, if not more of a presence this year.
The lesser-known Lone Star Tick’s bite can transmit bacteria that cause Ehrlichiosis. Flu-like symptoms may include headaches, muscle aches, malaise and high fever with untreated cases leading to central nervous system and organ damage, delirium and death. Although ehrlichiosis is considered an acute infection without chronic long-term side effects it can still produce severe symptoms that could require immediate antibiotic treatment. It has been determined that the population of the Lone Star Tick on the East End of Long Island has increased, therefore raising the risk of tick borne diseases especially in heavily wooded areas. The Center for Disease Control and Prevention believes the Lone Star Tick may also be a carrier of Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever, Southern Tick-Associated Rash Illness (STARI), Tularemia and Q Fever.
Most people are aware of the deer tick and its threat, but we want to be sure that East Enders know about the Lone Star Tick and take the necessary steps to be sure their properties are protected against both disease-carrying insects. As tick and mosquito season approaches, it is the opportune time to schedule a spray program for the coming months. We recommend that East Enders take the following action to reduce the habitats where ticks like to live:
Ten Tips to Reduce Ticks
- Reduce leaf litter, brush and weeds at the edge of the lawn and around the house.
- Cut grass short and regularly.
- Restrict use of groundcover, such as pachysandra.
- Remove brush and leaves around stone walls and wood piles.
- Where mice play, ticks stay: Seal stone walls serving as nesting sites and small openings in the house that are entry points.
- Rake leaves, as needed.
- Create a tick-safe zone – a sunny, dry area around the home, swing sets, decks and patios
- Use wood chips to help keep the buffer zone free of plants and restrict tick migration.
- Trim tree branches to let in more sunlight
