Are Ticks Emerging Earlier Than Ever Before?

If you are a supporter of local news, television, print, or web-based, then you may have seen a cluster of stories about early emerging ticks. While ticks do stay active during winter, provided they are not buried in snow, there is a threshold of warmer temperatures in which they and their tiny nymph offspring become increasingly eager. According to a variety of local news outlets, this moment is happening earlier each year, likely due to climate change.

The stories point out that climate change is impacting the Northeast more than most parts of the world. In fact, Boston has warmed by over 5.4 degrees Fahrenheit since 1900 – while the rest of the world averages a change of 2.04 degrees Fahrenheit in the same time frame.

How to Mitigate the Impact Ticks Have on Your Life

Ticks have been hitching rides on deer and small mammals for decades. They make their way from the forests and parks into your suburban lots in seemingly greater numbers every year. Don’t roll out the red carpet. The tiny terrors can spread dangerous tick diseases like Lyme disease, Babesiosis, Powassan, and more.

While the tactics for avoiding tick bites have long been in the arsenal of avid hikers and outdoorsy types, backyard warriors might not be quite so familiar. Check out our list of top methods for avoiding tick bites.

Wear Pants Tucked Into Your Socks

We know that wearing pants in summer is not preferred by most. However, if you are going to be enjoying outdoor time in untreated areas, especially with tall grass and underbrush, this is the best method for keeping ticks off your skin.

Permethrin Treated Clothes

An underutilized weapon against tick bites is treating your clothes with Permethrin. Especially your pants, socks, and shoes. This repellent will stop those questing ticks in their tracks when they try to latch on to your clothing.

Insect Repellent on Exposed Skin

Over-the-counter insect repellent on exposed skin is a vital component of tick safety. If a tick happens to get past your tucked-in pants and your permethrin-treated clothes, repellent provides additional protection.

Tick Checks

Always check yourself for ticks when you go indoors. You can start with a lint roller on your pants, socks, and shoes. Change your clothes and check your entire body.

Professional Tick Control Services

At home, you still should consider the above methods, but with Mosquito Squad of Southeastern Massachusetts tick control services, you can enjoy fewer ticks on your property. Call today to request a free quote.