Fall Tick Control in Chester & Delaware County PA

Ticks Are Still Lurking As Chester & Delaware County, PA, Residents Welcome Fall

Just because summer has ended doesn’t mean we are out of the woods when it comes to ticks and the risk of tick-borne illness. Certain species of ticks, such as the deer tick (aka the blacklegged tick), are common in southeastern Pennsylvania and can remain active while in their adult stage from fall to spring as long as the temperature is above freezing.

The deer tick is capable of spreading illnesses such as Lyme Disease, Babesiosis, HGA (human granulocytic anaplasmosis), also known as Ehrlichiosis and Powasson Virus. Each of these tick-borne diseases is capable of making you, your pet or a member of your family very sick. In some cases, these illnesses can be fatal. Deer ticks are not only able to infect with a singular disease, in some instances, comorbid tick-borne illness is possible between Lyme Disease and Ehrlichiosis and Lyme Disease and Babesiosis.

The news that ticks can remain active throughout the fall and into the winter months may come as a surprise to many Pennsylvanians. It is a common misconception that once warm weather has passed so have the dangers of coming into contact with a potentially-infectious tick. Many residents also disregard the threat of adult deer ticks assuming that once they reach maturity they can longer transmit disease. In the northeastern United States, the most common “large” tick likely to bite humans and pets during the fall and winter months is the deer tick. According to the widely respected University of Rhode Island Tick Encounter Center, Typically, about 50% of adult deer ticks are infected with Lyme bacteria.

How To Stay Protected From Fall & Winter Ticks In Southeastern PA

As you go about your fall and winter outdoor activities, remain vigilant about checking yourself, your children and your pets for ticks. Autumn in West Chester, Newtown Square and Mainline, PA, is a glorious time to be outdoors. The weather is mild, the leaves are starting to turn and it is one of the most preferred seasons for outdoor recreation.

Fall is one of the best times to plant trees, bulbs and other perennials to overwinter to ensure they thrive come spring. It is also a favored time to plant and harvest cool-weather vegetables. Just make sure you stay smart about tick control when carrying out these tasks in order to reduce your risk of coming into contact with ticks.

There is nothing quite like gathering with friends and family around the fire pit for s’mores and conversation. Maybe the outdoor man cave is more your style - having the home team over on your deck or porch while you revel in Sunday’s big game on the outdoor TV — halftime means a backyard quarter in the grass. No matter what outdoor living leisure activity you enjoy, it is likely ticks are lurking nearby.

Let’s not forget the upcoming Halloween and harvest holiday. Planning and placing the outdoor decor in honor of the season is an annual tradition enjoyed by many Pennsylvanians. Colorful pumpkins, gourds and mums — and the sweet treats enjoyed by trick-or-treaters. Don’t let the threat of ticks scare you inside!

The best place to start in becoming tick smart is by cleaning up your yard, and ensuring that all areas that your family plays in are free of excess brush and leaves. Ticks love places such as brick walls, patio retaining walls and fences so keep them maintained and treated on a regular basis. Keeping large warm-blooded animals such as deer out of your yard can be a real deterrent for ticks as well as eliminating tall grasses on the edge of your property or near any woods.

With Mosquito Squad of Chester & Delaware Counties innovative, proactive and highly effective tick prevention and control services, we can help keep you and your family safe all year. We would love to hear from you! You can reach us at (610) 463-0507, or via email at chestercounty@mosquitosquad.com.