A heavier tick season has been forecasted for us this year than the previous year. It’s not because of our unusual mild winter though.
It’s actually because of an increase in oak tree acorn production.
HOW DOES THAT WORK?
NPMA’s news release states, “Oak trees produced an extremely large acorn crop in 2010, which led to a boom in the white-footed mouse population last year. As a result, the blacklegged (deer) tick population also increased because the ticks had an abundance of mice to feed on when they hatched. However, this spring those same ticks will be looking for their second meal as nymphs, but a decline in the mice population may force them to find new warm-blooded host – humans.”
This is the blacklegged (deer) tick
Scary, isn’t it??
Here are a few other types of ticks to watch out for.
The image below is of several different sized American Dog Ticks.
And this one is a Brown Dog Tick.
These ticks on the finger are different stages of a Deer Tick.
So, you want to learn some awesome tips on
how to rid your yard of ticks?
NPMA offers the following tick tips:
- Use tick repellent when outdoors and wear long sleeved shirts and pants, preferably light in color, so ticks are easier to detect.
- Use preventative medicine on pets, as prescribed by your veterinarian.
- Once indoors, inspect clothing and your entire body. Check family members and pets that have been outdoors.
- Keep grass cut low, including around fences, sheds, trees, shrubs and swing sets. Remove weeds, woodpiles and other debris from the yard.
- If a tick is found attached, remove it with a slow, steady pull so as not to break off the mouthparts and leave them in the skin. Then, wash hands and bite site thoroughly with soap and water. Ticks should be flushed down a toilet or wrapped in tissue before disposing in a closed receptacle.
- If you suspect a tick bite, seek medical attention.
Rose will help protect your family and pets!
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