Deadly Disease Carried by Ticks
July 24, Toms River, New Jersey: Action Termite and Pest Control (www.actionpestcontrol.com) is issuing a warning based on recent reports of a new vector alert of tick-borne disease now in Ocean County, NJ. Babesiosis, a disease carried by the blacklegged tick better known as deer ticks, is spreading in Ocean County. Many people will be familiar with deer ticks and Lyme Disease but this new disease is just as threating and even deadly to elderly citizens.
Anyone bitten by a tick is at risk and should seek medical attention if the flu like symptoms appear. Fever, chills and body aches are some of the symptoms associated with Babesiosis. The parasites associated with this disease will attack the victims red blood cells. Anemia, organ failure and death may result. Unlike Lyme Disease there is no rash associated with Babesiosis.
“There have been seven reported cases in Ocean County, six of which have been hospitalized and are expected to be fine . . . we take this risk very seriously” commented John Russell, President of Action Termite and Pest Control. “While all people are at risk, elderly people with issues with their immune system can be at risk of death.”
The blacklegged tick (deer tick) is named for its dark legs, which are a contrast to its pale body. Deer ticks feed on the blood of the white-tailed deer which are very common in Ocean County. Deer ticks prefer to hide in tall grass and shrubs. When in these areas wearing long sleeved shirts and pants tucked in to socks is recommended. Additionally, wearing light colored clothing is harder to detect for deer ticks.
“When you return to your home, make sure you inspect your clothing, skin and head for ticks” continued John Russell. “Be sure to wash clothes immediately after exposing yourself to areas that are tick friendly.”
Deer Tick Treatment Procedures:
This is done by treating the entire yard. If ticks are inside the home a General C&C treatment to the entire home inside and out will eliminate the problem.
Deer Tick Treatment Preparation:
a. Prior to doing the yard treatment everything needs to be picked up off of the lawn. Then the lawn needs to be cut the day before the treatment. If rain is in the forecast for that day, we must reschedule the appointment.
b. The customer must stay off of lawn until it dries.
c. For year round control the yard should be treated 4 times per year.
d. If Raining Action will use Talstar Granular if it doesn’t rain & they use granular the customer must spray yard with water. Before either treatment customers must cut their lawn.
e. After treatment customers must stay off until lawn is dry.
Guarantee: 60 Days for Interior Only
Blacklegged Tick or Deer Tick – from the National Pest Management Association (NPMA)
The blacklegged tick (Ixodes scapularis), also called a deer tick or Lyme tick, is named for its dark legs; the body is pale in color. They live in grass and shrubs and adults feed primarily on the blood of white-tailed deer. Blacklegged ticks live for two years and have three feeding stages: larva, nymph, and adult. Tick eggs are laid in the spring and hatch as larvae in the summer. Larvae can feed on mice and other small animals including birds into the summer and early fall. When a young tick feeds on an infected animal, the tick may also take in bacteria into its body with the blood meal, and it can then remain infected for the rest of its life. After this initial feeding, the larvae become inactive as they molt into nymphs. The following spring, nymphs seek blood meals in order to fuel their development into adults. When the tick feeds again, it can transmit any bacteria it contains to its new host. Usually the new host is another small rodent, but sometimes it may be a human. Although adult ticks often feed on deer, these animals do not become infected. Deer are
nevertheless important in transporting ticks and maintaining tick populations in most areas. Visit the NPMA site at http://npmapestworld.org/
Action Termite and Pest Control is a Proud Member of the NPMA
About Action Termite and Pest Control: Action Termite and Pest Control of New Jersey has been dedicated to delivering prompt and professional pest control services for over 40 years. Family owned for three generations and quality control oriented, Action is your true source for dependable pest control service. Action’s technicians receive on-going training on Local, State, and National procedures and laws.
For more information about Deer Tick Treatments call 800-920-0906, email info@actionpestcontrol.com or visit our website at www.actionpestcontrol.com.