MAY: TICK AND LYME DISEASE AWARENESS MONTH

After a long winter, the spring and summer seasons are highly anticipated. The best way to make the most of the seasons is to prepare! Ticks are best dealt with by assuring they are not living around your home.  These insects can transmit dangerous bacteria that lead to diseases like Lyme disease.  While Lyme disease statistics from 2013 have yet to be released, the CDC reported 805 confirmed cases in the state of Virginia while Maryland had 1113 confirmed cases in 2012.  States in the Northeast including Virginia, make up 95% of all reported cases.  Researchers say studies are showing an increase in people contracting Lyme disease.

SO WHAT TICKS SHOULD YOU BE WEARY OF?

All of them. Since they are too small to really distinguish, it is safer to assume you should avoid contact with all of them. The deer tick is the most notable as it inhabits our area and carries Lyme disease. These ticks thrive in damp wooded areas and tall grass. Since ticks like moisture, the spring season is their perfect time of year.  

TIPS TO HELP KEEP YOU AND YOUR FAMILY SAFE FROM TICKS AND LYME DISEASE:

• Cover all areas of skin when walking trough tall grass or wooded areas
• Discourage wild animals from entering your backyard
• If a tick attaches to your skin, use fine tipped tweezers to grasp the tick as close to the skin’s surface as possible and pull in an upward, steady motion
• Once removed, clean the area with rubbing alcohol, an iodine scrub, or soap and water.
• If a rash of fever occur, consult medical physician

The best and most proactive way you can prevent ticks bites this season is to protect your yard. RTEC’s Certified Arborists are equipped to provide an environmentally-friendly solution that will control your tick population and give you and your family peace of mind. The key is early application and consistent monitoring so it is wise to not delay. Reduce the likelihood of a tick bite by calling RTEC at 703.573.3029.