Protecting Yourself from Ticks and Tick Diseases

Lyme disease, Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever, and Tularemia—are just some of the illnesses spread by ticks annually in the Mid-Atlantic Region. Although these tick diseases are preventable with the right precautions, they can be serious.

Fortunately, there are simple steps you can take to protect yourself from tick bites and potential infection.

In this article, we'll take a look at some of the most common tick-borne diseases in the Mid-Atlantic region and provide some tips for staying safe if you live in or visit that area.

Tick-Borne Diseases

As the weather warms up, tick season comes into full swing, and with it, the risk of tick-borne diseases. These diseases are caused by bacteria, viruses, or parasites transmitted to humans through the bite of an infected tick.

While Lyme disease is the most well-known of these tick diseases, many other tick diseases can cause serious health problems if left untreated.

These include:

• Lyme disease: This is the most well-known tick-borne disease caused by the Borrelia burgdorferi bacteria. Symptoms may include a bulls-eye rash, fever, fatigue, and joint pain. Pennsylvania is the state with the most annual cases of Lyme disease in the United States, and New Jersey isn't far behind. 
• Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever: Caused by a bacterium transmitted by the bite of an infected dog or wood tick. Symptoms include fever, headache, and muscle aches. In severe cases, it can lead to organ failure and death.
• Ehrlichiosis: This disease, caused by the Ehrlichia Chaffeensis bacterium, can cause fever, headache, and muscle aches.
• Babesiosis: Caused by a parasite that infects red blood cells, transmitted by the bite of an infected black-legged tick. Babesiosis is most commonly found in the Northeast and Midwest regions of the US, but cases have also been reported in other areas. Notably, this disease has seen a sharp increase in diagnoses in recent years. 

If you've been bitten by a tick and experience any of these symptoms, don't wait! Seek treatment right away. Early antibiotic therapy can help reduce the risk of developing long-term health problems such as chronic arthritis or cognitive defects. Remember, early detection is key to successful treatment.

Important Preventative Measures to Take Against Ticks

When it comes to keeping safe from tick diseases, prevention is the best cure. To keep your family safe from ticks, here are a few important preventative measures to take:

1. Wear protective clothing

When you go outdoors, wear light-colored protective clothing that covers your skin. Accessories like hats and scarves can help protect you from ticks in more exposed areas.

2. Use products and treatments Approved by the EPA

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has approved certain products and treatments for tick control. Ensure you use products the EPA has approved for effective protection against ticks.

3. Check your yard for ticks regularly

Ticks live in grassy or wooded areas and can enter homes. Check your yard at least once weekly to ensure no ticks are around.

By following these simple preventative steps, you can feel much safer when protecting yourself and loved ones from tick diseases in the Northeast region.

Protect Your Home and Family with Viking Pest Control

We know you care about your home, family, and environment. You want to protect them from ticks that carry Lyme disease or other tick diseases. That's why we're here to help you do it safely.

At Viking Pest Control, we believe in using safe products that are effective and don't harm the environment. We also believe in providing personalized service and quality workmanship—we treat every customer as if they were our neighbors because we know how important it is to have someone who cares about protecting your home and family.

So if you live in Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Delaware, or Maryland and need help with tick control for your home or business, please schedule an appointment with us today.