Pest Identification: Pest ID: Tick Prevention

Option Two: The Organic Green Alternative Program

We are proud to be in compliance with the USDA National Organic program. This service is safe for kids and pets and requires no dry time after application to go back out onto your property. We use all natural botanical rosemary and peppermint oils. This service also provides a quick knockdown/kill, but a shorter residual protection. This program will offer a quick kill/knockdown but a shorter residual than the chemical applications. Unless surrounded by water, marshes, or edible plants, we recommend the regular chemical applications to achieve the best results.

  Prevention is the best medicine!

The amount of Ticks in Massachusetts has grown at an alarming rate over the past couple of years. Rising deer and mice populations, as well as mild winters, seem to be the main cause of this. With the increasing amount of ticks, and the rising concern for Lyme and other diseases, we are confident that you’re in good hands with our Tick Prevention service. Our application equipment is the best in the industry. We are able to provide very high pressure and powerful sprays, unlike our competitors, to keep those Ticks at bay!

Lyme disease

Lyme disease is caused by bacteria that are spread from a bite from a deer tick. Both animals and humans can contract Lyme disease! Ticks that are carrying Lyme disease are active throughout the year. The younger ticks are most active during the warm weather months (May, June, and July). Adversely, adult Ticks are most active during the fall and early spring, but may also be out searching for a blood meal and time that the temperature is above freezing. Generally, a tick would need to be attached to a host for 24 hours before it can spread the disease. There are a few symptoms of Lyme disease depending on how long the disease has been active in the host’s body. These symptoms are:

• (Early stages) The most common early symptom is a donut or “bulls eye” with the outer ring being darker. The rash does not always occur. Other early symptoms are flu like symptoms such as fever, headache, stiff neck, aching muscles and joints, fatigue, and swollen glands.
• (Later Stages) If untreated, Lyme disease can cause problems in the joints, nervous system, and the heart. About 60% people with untreated Lyme disease will get arthritis in the knees, elbows, and/or wrists. People can also experience nervous system problems such meningitis, facial weakness (Bell’s palsy) or other head problems, as well as weakness or pain in the hands, arms, feet, and legs. Untreated Lyme disease can also cause a slower heart beat and fainting.

People that are diagnosed with Lyme disease should be treated with antibiotics immediately!

Powassan

Powassan is a flavivirus that is most commonly found in the north eastern part of the country. This virus is very rare, but very serious! Powassan is most commonly found in deer ticks. Scientists do believe that animals can get this nasty virus, but because it is so rare, there is not a definite answer. Unlike Lyme disease, ticks can transmit Powassan very quickly to its host. Scientists found that lab mice were contracting the disease as soon as 15 minutes after the initial bite. Some people will never feel sick with this virus, but can still suffer from long term affects. The symptoms of Powassan include:

• Fever, headache, vomiting, weakness, confusion, loss of coordination, speech difficulties, and seizures.
• More severe symptoms can include Meningitis or encephalitis; both involve inflammation of the brain while meningitis can cover the spinal cord.
• Roughly 10% of people with this severe form of the disease will die, while survivors may have long-term health problems.

There is currently no specific treatment for Powassan. Doctors will recommend supportive care, rest, and fluids to avoid dehydration.