Be Aware! It’s Lyme Disease Awareness Month

Backed by many of the top Lyme-focused non-profit groups, May is Lyme Disease Awareness Month. It is an international initiative, and awareness events are occurring in other countries, as well as the USA. If you don’t know much about Lyme Disease, there is no better time to learn about it, especially for those of us living in Southern New Hampshire. Our state borders some of the most Lyme Disease dense states, and the number of cases reported in our state ranks within the top fifteen in the country. Because the disease is so prevalent in our area, it is important for you to know where it comes from, be able to identify its symptoms, and know how to protect yourself and your family.

Lyme Disease is caused by the Borrelia burgdorfer bacteria and is transmitted through the bite of the black-legged tick (commonly called the deer tick). In early stages, the symptoms of Lyme Disease mimic the flu – headache, fever, chills, muscle and joint aches, and disturbed sleep. A distinctive rash, Erythema migrans (EM) or “bull’s-eye” rash, also appears in many cases. In later stages, neurological symptoms including muscle twitches, tremors, and Bel’s palsy may present themselves. If untreated, arthritis can develop, and neurological symptoms may worsen. The disease typically responds well to antibiotic treatment.

As with any disease that is transmitted through an insect bite, the very best protection against Lyme Disease is to prevent being bitten by ticks. While not all ticks carry Lyme, it is impossible to know whether a tick does or not without scientific testing, so it’s best to just avoid them. Since ticks live in wooded and densely grassy areas, it is important to check for them regularly, especially after you have been traversing such an area. Tick repellents are also very effective at minimizing the number of ticks that may get on you. If you are concerned about chemicals, concentrating application on your shoes will help repel ticks living in the grass.

To help control ticks on your property, keep your grass cut regularly and treat your property. Mosquito Squad of Southern New Hampshire utilizes barrier sprays and tick tubes to help eliminate ticks and control the population in your yard. Our two-step method effectively eliminates up to 90% of ticks within your treated property. By reducing your exposure to ticks, you can reduce your and your family’s chances of contracting Lyme Disease. Don’t wait. Do something positive during Lyme Disease Awareness Month to prevent the disease. Help reduce the Southern New Hampshire tick population by calling us today and starting with your property.