Spring, Summer and Tick Control

With Spring approaching fast we all look forward to more time spent outdoors; time spent with family, hiking, biking, camping and generally just taking in the sunshine and fresh air that we so sorely miss during the long winter. But its important to remember that we aren’t the only creatures out there enjoying that hiking trail or remote camping spot. Ticks often lie in wait among the grasses and brush in these areas for a host that they can begin to feed upon. They are most active in Massachusetts from April through September. Often mistaken as insects, ticks are actually arachnids like spiders, scorpions and mites. This is important to know for use in identifying ticks. They have 4 sets of legs and no antennae. Ticks are known to cause Lyme disease, Babesiosis and the newly discovered Ehrlichiosis/Anaplasmosis. Ticks can actually spread more than one these diseases to its host at the same time.

Lyme Disease is identified generally by its bull’s-eye shaped rash, muscle and joint aches, fever, headaches and fatigue. Babesiosis symptoms can include the same seen with Lyme Disease but often begins with high fever and chills. As it progresses, those infected also could develop heavy sweating and vomiting. Though some people may have very few and even no appearance of symptoms, those with weak immune systems and the elderly may experience life-threatening complications like liver problems and kidney failure.

Obviously a tick bite, and the diseases they transmit, are not something any of us want to experience. The best way to prevent exposure to these diseases is to limit your exposure to the tick itself. Protect your home by cutting back grasses and shrubs and regularly and properly apply pesticides. We specialize in tick control in Andover, and the surrounding areas, and can help to keep your family safe with the routine application of the approved and appropriate pesticides. We will also consult with you about further measures for keeping your outside areas tick-free. Call us now for a full consultation at 978-363-2222.