Beware the Dangers of Creative Tick Control

The fear of tick-borne illness is real and it’s valid. Reports show that ticks carrying disease have been found in 83 counties across 24 states that have not seen them before. Wendy Adams of the Bay Area Lyme Foundation tells CBS News that “tick populations have exploded.” For example, a 14-year-old girl was found carrying a Longhorned tick recently in New Jersey. It wasn’t attached, thank goodness, but it was the first report of this tick, that is rare to the United States, in five years. You really can’t assume you know what you are in danger for and what you aren’t anymore when it comes to ticks. Ticks are practically everywhere and they are on the move.

Unconventional Methods of Tick Control

As talk of the growing tick problem comes to light, people are finding different methods to deal with it. One very popular one is chicken farming. In fact, it is reported that chickens, guinea fowl, and quail, kept at home, can reduce the number of ticks in your yard. CBS Channel 4 Minnesota spoke with a couple in Maine and another in New York that both stated the results are amazing. Quickly after they built their chicken pens at home their tick problems disappeared.

It sounds great right? Not to mention the benefit of fresh eggs in the morning. However, the CDC sites a big problem with this new form of tick control… salmonella. Backyard chickens can carry salmonella without appearing to be sick at all and the proof is in the numbers. A recent outbreak linked to backyard chickens has covered 44 of the 50 states. 212 people have been infected with salmonella and 34 cases were serious enough to required hospitalization. Salmonella causes diarrhea, vomiting, fever, and stomach cramps. Yet some people, no matter the risk, are willing to put up with anything to keep the ticks away.

If you are willing to keep your chickens, not just for the sake of ridding yourself of ticks but for other benefits too, then you MUST keep cleanliness to the maximum. Consistent hand washing after dealing with the chickens and for goodness sakes, don’t let them in the house!

What About the Tried and True Tick Control?

Here at Mosquito Squad of Twin Cities, we want to remind you that our tick control methods work and don’t require feeding. And don’t spread salmonella. Our barrier treatment eliminates ticks on contact. Our tick tube systems work to keep next year’s ticks from ever even making it out in the yard. It really can’t get much simpler than that. Consider leaving the farming to the farmers and call us instead. We have a tick control plan that works for you.