Doctors Predict Summer 2021 Will Be High Risk for Tick Bites and Lyme Disease
Everyone is excited to get back outdoors this summer, but our Toms River NJ exterminator recommends a certain measure of caution. Experts predict a high population of ticks this season, which brings the risk of Lyme disease and other illnesses.
Expect Greater Numbers of Ticks in 2021
According to New York ecologist Dr. Rick Ostfeld, a chain of events over the last few years has created a perfect storm. In 2019, oak trees produced greater amount of acorns than usual. This caused an abundance of white-footed mice and chipmunks.
Ticks in the larval stage feed on rodents. As a result, Dr. Ostfeld explains, greater numbers of mice and chipmunks means a better chance of ticks surviving while picking up pathogens from these common carriers of disease.
Signs of Lyme Disease and How to Prevent It
Symptoms of Lyme disease usually appear one to two weeks post-bite. Chief among these is the distinctive bull's-eye rash, along with achy muscles, low-grade fever and headaches.
Dr. Ostfeld offers these three tips to avoid Lyme disease:
* Stay away from areas dense with trees, shrubs, tall grass and other vegetation where ticks are likely to hide.
* Use an insect repellent with no more than 30 percent DEET.
* After returning indoors, do a careful check for ticks. If you find any, use a pair of tweezers to remove.
Year-Round Toms River NJ Exterminator Services
Unfortunately, pests that are common to NJ don't take time off. No matter what the season, contact Allison Pest Control to schedule a free inspection.
