Ticks
The most common tick we have in Massachusetts is the Black Legged Tick or more commonly referred to Deer tick (lxodus scopularis). These are the ticks that carry lime disease. The ticks are most likely to be in woods, where woods meet lawn, where lawn meets fields, tall brush/grass, under leaves, under ground cover (low growing vegetation), near stone walls or wood piles, shady areas, around bird feeders, outside pet areas.
- Preventative Measures Homeowners can do to minimize tick activity
- Mow lawns on regular basis. Ticks will hide in tall grass.
- Rake leaf and grass clippings. Ticks will hide beneath these areas.
- Move bird feeders away from house. Rodents will be attracted to seed that falls on ground. Rodents carry ticks.
- Keep swing sets and play areas in sun. They should be well maintained.
- Keep pet areas free of leaf and other debris. Ticks will hide in these areas and get onto pets.
Deer ticks have a 2 year life cycle. They start off as eggs in spring of first year. They then enter the larval stage in August and September. They become infected with pathogens when they take a blood meal from infected animal host. The larva molt over winter and emerge as nymphs (about the same size as a poppy seed). They need a blood meal to get to the next stage which is the immature adult or nymph stage. This stage is active from May to July. Adults become active in October and remain active throughout the winter when the ground is not frozen. Blood engorged females survive the winter in forest leaf litter and begin laying their eggs around the end of May. The eggs hatch in July and the cycle starts all over again.
Atlantis Pest Management can provide a free assessment for your property for ticks. To contact us please click here.
