Ticks are parasite that feed on the blood of humans and animals in order to survive. They can become very dangerous when they feed on an animal that is infected with Lyme disease and then carry and transmit it to the next animal or person they bite. Ticks become more troublesome because they can also carry bacterial co-infections like Ehrlichiosis, Babesiosis, and Anaplasmosis. While Lyme disease is the most common tick-associated infection, these co-infections can make the diagnosis and treatment of Lyme disease more difficult.

Tick Activity

Ticks are active throughout the year. Their peak season of activity starts in April and runs through September. These are the months when hungry nymphal ticks actively seek a host. These nymphs are about the size of a poppy seed and their bite poses the greatest risk. They are responsible for most of Lyme disease infections in people and their small size and painless bite make them hard to detect. Adult ticks are about the size of a sesame seed. They can also be hard to detect due to their small size and flat shape. For the most part, adult ticks feed and mate on deer but they can also be found on dogs, horses and domesticated animals. Ticks that carry Lyme disease can be found in areas that are moist and shady. These areas include:
• Leaf litter
• Piles of wood
• Stonewalls
• Tall grass, bushy areas and beach grass
• Lawn perimeters where they meet forest, woodlot or garden edges

How Easy is it to Get Lyme Disease from a Tick?

The ease of contracting Lyme disease from a tick depends on the tick’s species, how long it has been attached, and the geographic location. Not all tick bites result in Lyme disease; you must be bitten by an infected blacklegged (deer) tick that has fed for at least 24–48 hours for transmission to occur. As blacklegged deer ticks are found in Martha’s Vineyard, why take the risk?!

Tick Prevention

The best way to prevent getting bit by a tick is to eliminate encounters with them. This can be hard to do but there are steps you can take to reduce contact significantly.
1. Wear protective clothing. When you are in tick infested areas you should a long-sleeved shirt and pants that you can tuck into your socks to create a barrier to your skin. Wear light-colored clothing to help you see ticks more easily.
2. Stay on the trail. Ticks are less likely to hang out in sunny, open spaces with minimal leaf litter so say on a well-managed path when you are hiking, biking or jogging outside.
3. Preform regular self-checks. Ticks can hitch a ride very quickly. Even a little contact with vegetation is all it takes. Get into the habit of self-checks. Grab your glasses or use a magnifying glass to look for ticks that can be smaller than a pinhead.
4. Check your pets. Don’t forget about your four-legged friends. They can also become infected with harmful diseases. Treat your pets to reduce ticks and fleas and give them a quick check after they have spent time outside.
5. Keep your yard neat. It’s important to keep your lawn trimmed because ticks love to hang out in tall grass. Ticks also love piles of wood that provide them with moist shade. Keep wood stacked in the sun to keep it nice and dry.

Tick Prevention & Control Treatments, Bee Safe Organic Land & Lawn Care Treatments in Martha’s Vineyard, Vineyard Haven & West Tisbury, Massachusetts

Be wary of ticks that can spread harmful diseases and are most active now. Don’t let ticks prevent you from enjoying the outdoors. Routine and consistent property treatments are key to maintaining tick and mosquito populations. At Fragosa Landscaping, our all natural, organic tick and mosquito control and prevention spraying services eliminate ticks and mosquitoes in all life-stages without the use of toxic chemicals. In addition, our botanical pest control products are highly effective, environmentally-friendly and safe for children and pets. Call Fragosa Landscaping today!