Tick and Mosquito Service in Worcester
Massachusetts is home to 51 species of mosquitoes, but the good news is that not all of them actively feed on humans or our pets. However, this doesn't mean you can let your guard down. Different mosquito species can be present at various times depending on the season, weather conditions, flooding, or proximity to wetlands. Some species feed primarily at night, while others are active during the daytime.
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Protect Your Family from Mosquito-Borne Viruses
With the headlines filled with news about mosquito-borne viruses like Zika, West Nile, and Triple E, it's natural to feel concerned. While it is yet to be proven that our local mosquito species can transmit Zika, it has been confirmed that West Nile and Triple E pose a threat in Massachusetts. To add to your worry, mosquitoes can also transmit Heartworm, a severe mosquito-borne disease that affects our beloved pets. Reduce the mosquito population in your yard by eliminating standing water sources such as clogged rain gutters, old tires, and birdbaths. Protecting your family and pets from these diseases starts with our effective mosquito services.
Deer Tick Control in Worcester:
Deer ticks, known carriers of Lyme disease, have a two-year life cycle that includes larva, nymph, and adult stages. Ticks require a blood meal at each stage before maturing further. They are active year-round, residing under leaf litter beneath the snow and feeding on mice and other small animals. In spring, it's common to find tick nymphs. During fall, female deer ticks latch onto a host and drink its blood for several days before dropping off and overwintering in the leaf litter. In the following spring, female deer ticks lay clusters of several hundred to a few thousand eggs.
The Dangers of Tick-Borne Diseases:
Ticks can transmit at least 10 different types of diseases to humans, including Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever, Anaplasmosis, Ehrlichiosis, and Babesiosis. The specific illness you may contract depends on the tick species and the bacteria or pathogens they carry. Lyme disease, prevalent in tick bites, can be a serious condition that is often challenging to diagnose. Symptoms, initially flu-like, include fever, aches, pains, and chills. Most cases of Lyme disease go unreported, making early medical attention crucial. If you suspect a tick bite, seek medical treatment promptly.
How to Keep Ticks Out of Your Yard:
Prevention is the best way to deal with ticks, even if you think your yard is not a typical tick habitat. Implement these simple measures to safeguard your yard:
- Keep the Lawn Mowed: Maintaining a short grass height decreases the likelihood of tick infestations.
- Gravel or Wood Chip a Path: Create a barrier that ticks are less likely to cross by laying down wood chips or gravel along paths on your property.
- Be Careful with Your Wood Pile: Ticks are attracted to messy wood piles, so stack your wood neatly in a spot that receives regular sunlight.
How Do We Control Ticks in Worcester?
At Ransford, tick control is a comprehensive process. Here are the steps we take to effectively manage ticks:
- In spring, we treat the leaf litter and perimeter of your property with a targeted granular product.
- To reduce tick food sources in the long run, we recommend using exterior bait stations.
- In the fall, we target adult ticks by treating the perimeter foliage with a liquid solution.
Are Ticks Lurking in Your Wood Pile?
Yes, ticks can indeed live in wood piles. Ticks are attracted to areas with decomposing leaves and stacks of wood, often inhabited by rodents. To keep ticks at bay, limit the number of dark, moist areas in your yard.
Take Back Your Yard in Worcester Today!
Don't let mosquitoes and ticks dictate your outdoor activities. Contact us now to schedule an appointment and reclaim your yard from these biting insects. Our experienced team at Ransford is ready to provide you with effective mosquito and tick control solutions, giving you the peace of mind you deserve.
