Take Immediate Precautions to Guard against Potential Tick Bites

Health officials and pest experts are warning that we can expect an increase in tick populations this year. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has issued a concern due to the steady increase in infections from tickborne diseases. Ticks are vectors that can carry infectious agents such as bacteria, viruses and cause human diseases such as Lyme disease and Rocky Mountain spotted fever. Ticks are a year-round threat, however we want to encourage people to be extra vigilant this time of year when ticks are most active. The tick populations are only going to increase over the next few weeks.

To help homeowners protect their families and homes from a tick infestation this year, Arrow Exterminators recommends the following simple, proactive measures:

• Maintain your yard. This includes cutting tall grass, shrubbery, bushes and plants.
• Groom your pets such as dogs and cats. Ticks can easily latch onto your pets when they are outside.
• Ticks are frequently found on rodents, so make sure your home is clean and rodent-free.
• When spending time outdoors wear long-sleeved shirts and pants and if possible, wear clothing light in color so ticks are easier to detect. Also, use a tick repellant containing DEET or Permethrin.
• Check yourself and your pets for ticks whenever you come from outside. If any are found, quickly remove the tick or flea from your body with fine tipped tweezers.
• Tumble dry clothes in a dryer on high heat for 10 minutes to kill ticks on dry clothing after you come indoors.
• Contact a local Pest Control Professional if you suspect a tick infestation.

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