With the incidence of Lyme disease as well as other tick-borne disease issues increasing, taking steps to mitigate the threats is also a necessity. To understand the Lyme disease threat and how to combat it, homeowners need to understand the disease and how it’s spread. Once homeowners have a grasp of the issues involved, it’s much easier to determine a course of action to minimize the potential for encountering the ticks that spread Lyme disease.

What Is Lyme Disease?

The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) understands the seriousness of Lyme disease and routinely publishes information to assist homeowners with Lyme disease prevention. Lyme disease is caused by a bacteria and is easily spread by bites from infected ticks. When left untreated, the disease easily spreads throughout the body. Symptoms include a characteristic bullseye skin rash, joint pain, headaches, and heart issues. It’s vitally important to start treatments early to prevent long-term damage. If a tick bite site shows signs of a rash, contact a physician immediately. Most cases are not diagnosed properly or ever reported and later symptoms can become very severe, they include severe joint pain and swelling, and neurological problems like; temporary paralysis of one side of your face (Bell’s palsy), inflammation of the membranes around your brain (Meningitis), numbness or weakness in your limbs, and impaired muscle movement. Lyme disease also causes some to suffer from; heart problems, eye inflammation, liver inflammation (Hepatitis), and severe fatigue.

Can Lyme Disease Be Prevented?

The short answer is yes. However, it’s important to remember that ticks can be found throughout the region, so constant vigilance is important. If you’re going to be outside in an area known to contain ticks, there are specific protocols to observe.

• Most Lyme disease experts recommend using a repellent containing at least 20 percent DEET. It’s the most effective repellent currently available but does require users to carefully follow all the safety recommendations listed on the products.
• Spray clothing to minimize the chances of ticks hitching a ride. Products containing permethrin can be used to treat clothing. Pre-treat your clothes prior to putting them on to avoid the chemical contacting the skin. Again, it’s important to follow safety instructions to minimize exposure risks.

As new treatment options become available, the CDC and the Environmental Protection Agency will provide additional information on their websites to assist in preventing Lyme disease.

Taking Care of the Risk at Home

Anyone living in an area known to contain ticks should consider spraying as a means of localized tick control. Doing so will significantly reduce the risks of tick-related diseases in the area directly around a home, making it safer for family members and pets to enjoy the yard. Simply Safer Premium Lawn Care recommends that property owners have their yards sprayed with a mild insecticide that targets ticks at least once per year in the spring to kill the existing ticks. Most Lyme disease cases are transmitted between spring and early-summer so this timing is very important. Simply Safer uses a pyrethroid called Bifentherin because it has been proven to be fully effective in killing all ticks in the treated areas and yet it is very safe when applied properly. Spraying several times per year is necessary in many cases depending on the local tick population, the yard conditions (wooded areas, leaf cover, tall grasses, etc), and the amount of wildlife that pass through the yard that will bring new ticks in with them (deer, chipmunks, squirrels, birds, etc). Since ticks transmit several other diseases in addition to Lyme disease, it only makes sense to eliminate them in yards being used by family members and pets.

Organic Remedies to Reduce Exposure Risks

While there are numerous chemicals that can be employed to control tick populations, many of those chemicals pose some level of threat to residents and pets. That’s why Simply Safer Premium Lawn Care suggests homeowners consider an organic yard tick spray option. Current organic spray options are proven to safely eliminate ticks and mosquitoes. The sprays contain a specific mix of organic botanical oils designed to kill ticks and mosquitoes on contact. The benefits of organic spraying are generally expected to last up to four weeks, but discuss your specific situation with us to determine how often spraying would be required.

If you live in Massachusetts or Rhode Island in an area where ticks are commonly found, don’t risk unnecessary exposure to Lyme disease. Contact Simply Safer Lawn Care today for advice on eliminating the threat of ticks and mosquitoes.